- Myasthenia Graves (MG) is an autoimmune disorder wherein antibodies, perhaps created by the thymus, block the acetylcholine receptors at the post-synaptic neuromuscular junction.
- The term "myasthenia graves" literally means "severe muscle-weakness" from its Greek and Latin origins.
- The clinical hallmark of this disorder is muscle weakness and fatiguability, primarily affecting the facial muscles.
- In spite of having personally seen about 3 cases of MG in the ED over the past couple months, this disorder is actually one of the less common autoimmune disorders, affecting 200 to 400 per 1 million persons.
- Treatment includes cholinesterase inhibitors, immunosuppressants, and at times, thymectomy.