What is Myasthenia gravis?
'''Myasthenia gravis''' is a rare [[autoimmune disease]]. It causes weak [[muscles]] and [[tiredness]]. [[Stress]] and hot weather can make the symptoms worse. It also gets worse with activity. '''Myasthenia gravis''' is caused by the [[Immune System|immune system]] attacking the [[Nerve|nerves]] that tell [[Muscle|muscles]] to contract. It is treated in two main ways. First, a drug can be given to slow down (suppress) the immune system using an [[Immunosuppressant drugs|immunosuppressant]] like [[Steroid|steroids]]. Alternatively, a drug can be given to turn up the signal that tells muscles to contract. The signal for contracting is a chemical the body makes called [[acetylcholine]]. This signal is 'turned up' by blocking acetylcholine breakdown - these drugs are called [[acetylcholinesterase]] inhibitors. {{biology-stub}} [[Category:Autoimmune diseases]]