Introduction

Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease, causing weakness of voluntary skeletal muscles of the body. Myasthenia Gravis is Latin for “serious muscle weakness”.

The muscle weakness is made worse by physical activity and improved after periods of rest. Muscles of the face are mostly affected, as well as muscles that control breathing. In addition, neck and limb movements can also be disturbed.    

Current treatment however has vastly improved for patients with myasthenia gravis and therefore the majority of cases are not as serious as the name suggests. In fact, most individuals with the disease have a relatively normal life expectancy.

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