What Is Myasthenia Gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues. In myasthenia gravis, the antibodies produced from the immune system blocks signals from the brain to the muscles. This in turn causes muscle weakness. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, chewing and swallowing, head drooping, facial paralysis, and fatigue.

There is no cure for myasthenia gravis. Treatment for myasthenia includes taking medication. A common drug class used to treat myasthenia gravis is the cholinesterase inhibitors drug class.