Gravis

Gravis is a term used in medical contexts to describe a severe or serious condition. It is often associated with myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles, which are responsible for breathing and moving parts of the body, including the arms and legs.

Etymology

The term "gravis" is derived from the Latin word for "serious" or "severe." It is used in various medical terminologies to indicate the severity of a condition.

Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis is the most well-known condition that includes the term "gravis." It is characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of any of the muscles under voluntary control. The condition is caused by a breakdown in the normal communication between nerves and muscles.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that worsens after periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Other symptoms may include:

• Drooping of one or both eyelids (ptosis)
• Blurred or double vision (diplopia)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Shortness of breath
• Impaired speech (dysarthria)
• Weakness in the arms, hands, fingers, legs, and neck

Causes

Myasthenia gravis is caused by an error in the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles. It occurs when normal communication between the nerve and muscle is interrupted at the neuromuscular junction—the place where nerve cells connect with the muscles they control.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis involves a combination of clinical examination, blood tests for specific antibodies, electromyography (EMG), and imaging studies such as CT or MRI scans to check for thymus gland abnormalities.

Treatment

Treatment options for myasthenia gravis include medications, such as anticholinesterase agents and immunosuppressive drugs, as well as therapies like plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin. In some cases, surgical removal of the thymus gland (thymectomy) may be recommended.

Related Conditions

Other conditions that may include the term "gravis" or are related to severe medical conditions include:

• Gravis disease
• Gravis syndrome

See Also

• Autoimmune disease
• Neuromuscular disease
• Thymus gland
• Antibody