Myasthenia Gravis: Understanding Its Symptoms And Effects On The Body

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that leads to varying degrees of skeletal muscle weakness. The symptoms can fluctuate in intensity and often worsen with activity, improving with rest. Below is a detailed breakdown of how this condition affects different muscle groups in the body.

Eye Muscle Involvement

One of the most common early signs of Myasthenia Gravis is the involvement of the eye muscles. This can result in ptosis, or drooping of the eyelids, and impaired eye movement. Patients may experience diplopia (double vision), especially when looking in certain directions. In more severe cases, the eyes may become fixed in place, with limited or no movement in any direction.

Facial Muscle Weakness

Facial muscle involvement can cause symptoms that resemble facial paralysis. Individuals may find it difficult to smile or maintain facial expressions. Weakness in these muscles can also lead to air escaping while trying to puff out the cheeks, difficulty closing the eyes completely, and even excessive drooling during speech due to poor oral control.

Chewing And Swallowing Difficulties

When the muscles responsible for chewing are affected, patients may struggle to complete a meal due to progressive weakness during eating. This can lead to fatigue in the jaw muscles and difficulty in properly breaking down food. Additionally, swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) and choking episodes may occur, increasing the risk of aspiration and nutritional challenges.

Limb Weakness

Myasthenia Gravis can also impact limb muscles, causing weakness in both the arms and legs. Patients may experience difficulty climbing stairs or walking long distances. A common symptom is the inability to hold the arms raised for extended periods, with progressive fatigue and weakness setting in quickly during repetitive tasks or sustained postures.

Myasthenic Crisis

The most serious and potentially life-threatening complication of Myasthenia Gravis is a myasthenic crisis, which occurs when the muscles that control breathing become severely weakened. This leads to acute respiratory failure and requires immediate medical attention, often including hospitalization and mechanical ventilation support.