The disease is degenerative, often with a fluctuating course. Average life expectancy is 35 years after onset of symptoms. This is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by gradual muscle weakness, often appearing first in the face. Drooping eyelids, double vision, and difficulty breathing, talking, chewing, and swallowing. The drug edrophonium along with daily rest periods can improve muscle strength.
Treatment can induce remission, and people can lead productive lives.
Two thirds of all cases occur after a viral infection. Tingling in the fingers and toes, general muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, paralysis. Supportive care until the condition is stabilized, then rehabilitation therapy combined with whirlpool baths to relieve pain and facilitate retraining of movements. A process called plasmapheresis, which removes plasma and nerve damaging antibodies from the blood, is used during the first few weeks after a severe attack and may improve the chance of a full recovery. Most patients recover after a period of months, but some permanent impairment remains in about 10 percent of cases.