title: Myasthenia gravis. A well-understood neuromuscular disorder.
abstract: Myasthenia gravis is a disorder of neuromuscular function caused by autoimmunity to acetylcholine receptors and the postsynaptic region of the neuromuscular junction. Clinically, it is manifest by abnormal weakness and fatigability of skeletal muscle. Distribution and severity of weakness vary among patients. Most cases can be treated effectively with a combination of anticholinesterase inhibitors and glucocorticoids. Thymectomy is often recommended.
authors.affiliation: Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98111.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ravits
mesh_terms: D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D013934:Thymectomy
chemical_list: D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D005938:Glucocorticoids