Myasthenia Gravis

Overview

Myasthenia gravis is a chronic condition characterized by weakness and fatigue of muscles under your voluntary control. In myasthenia gravis, your immune system produces antibodies that block or destroy your muscles' receptors from the chemical signals sent by your nerves. Because your muscle receptors are blocked or reduced in number, your muscles become weak. Myasthenia gravis often affects muscles in your face used for chewing, swallowing and talking, as well as muscles in your eyes, arms and legs.

Congenital myasthenic syndromes, less common forms of myasthenia, result from a genetic defect at the neuromuscular junction that affects nerve and muscle communication. The result is muscle weakness similar to that experienced in myasthenia gravis.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic doctors who have training in nervous system conditions (neurologists), chest surgeons (thoracic surgeons) and other specialists have more than 60 years' experience in diagnosing and treating myasthenia gravis. Doctors collaborate as an integrated team to provide your care. In Mayo Clinic's system, your testing and treatment usually can be done in just days.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report.

Read more about myasthenia gravis at MayoClinic.com.