what is generalized myasthenia gravis

Generalized myasthenia gravis is a type of myasthenia gravis (MG), which is a chronic autoimmune, neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles. Generalized MG is the most common type, accounting for 85% of people with MG. It is generally more serious than ocular MG since it causes weakness in many muscle groups. Muscle weakness is the hallmark of myasthenia gravis, and with generalized MG, this weakness tends to begin in the eye and gradually spread to other muscle groups. Certain muscle groups are often (but not always) involved in the disorder, such as those that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expressions, chewing, talking, swallowing, and breathing. The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that worsens after periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. An acetylcholinesterase inhibitor may be the only drug needed to control mild to moderate generalized myasthenia gravis, while steroids or another immune system drugs may be added if symptoms are not controlled or flares become frequent or serious.