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Myasthenia gravis refers to an autoimmune condition, where the body starts attacking its cells, as it is unable to differentiate between self and non-self cells
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Myasthenia gravis mainly affects the junction between the nerve endings and the muscles supplied by them. Weakness of muscles is common
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This condition is more commonly seen in women than men, almost twice the number. The incidence of myasthenia gravis is maximum around 30 years
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The main clinical feature of myasthenia gravis is the fluctuating weakness, which worsens with exertion and reduces on resting
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The muscles involved also fatigue easily, and this may worsen on heavy physical activity or on exercising
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When the extra-ocular muscles are affected, double vision may be experienced by the individual along with ptosis (drooping eye)
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Respiratory weakness can become severe, and the person may need assistance to breathe. There are also chances of aspiration in this condition
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All these symptoms may be aggravated by exertion, raised ambient temperature, infections or emotional lability and worsen myasthenia
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Pregnancy, menstruation and certain drugs like aminoglycosides and phenytoin can also exacerbate pre-existing symptoms
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The diagnosis can be confirmed by taking a thorough clinical history, performing serological tests and the ice pack test