The classical symptom of Myasthenia Gravis is excessive muscle fatiguing, especially following physical activity. This muscle fatigue will also appear to improve with rest or inactivity.
Myasthenia gravis has different classifications depending on which muscle groups are affected and according to the severity of the condition. Firstly two broad classifications are given; Ocular Myasthenia (affecting only the eyes, eyelids and vision) and Generalised Myasthenia (affecting a wider range of muscles possibly including muscles of the face, neck, arms and legs and those involved in swallowing and speech).
The range of muscle involvement and severity of symptoms can then be further subdivided into the following classifications:
Class 1: Ocular symptoms only
Class 2: Ocular symptoms and some mild symptoms in arms and legs or muscles involved in speech and swallowing
Class 3: Moderate severity of symptoms with a broad range of muscle involvement (generalised myasthenia)
Class 4: Severe symptoms including a broad range of muscle involvement (generalised myasthenia)
Class 5: Severe generalised myasthenia including respiratory muscles (leading requirement for ventilation)
Myasthenia gravis is also classified depending on when it developed. It is generally termed either early onset (presenting before 45 years of age) or late onset (presenting after 60 years of age).
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