Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes muscle weakness and fatigue by disrupting nerve-muscle communication. The immune system mistakenly attacks the neuromuscular junction, affecting muscle control, especially in the eyes, face, and breathing muscles. Diagnosing MG can be difficult due to symptom overlap with other conditions. However, blood tests have advanced, allowing the detection of specific antibodies linked to the disease.
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What is Myasthenia Gravis (MG)?
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a rare but serious autoimmune disorder that affects the communication between the nerves and muscles. In this condition, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the neuromuscular junction, which is the place where nerve signals communicate with muscles. This disruption leads to muscle weakness and fatigue, especially in muscles that control movements like eye movements, facial expressions, swallowing, and breathing. The symptoms can worsen with activity and improve with rest, which is a unique feature of MG.
How Does MG Affect the Body?
In a healthy person, nerve signals travel from the brain to muscles through a substance called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a chemical that helps nerves send messages to muscles, allowing them to contract and perform their tasks. However, in someone with MG, the immune system mistakenly produces antibodies that attack parts of this communication system. These antibodies target either acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) or a protein called muscle-specific kinase (MuSK), which are both crucial for the neuromuscular junction’s proper function.
The immune attack on these receptors or proteins disrupts normal communication between the nerve and the muscle. As a result, the muscles don’t respond as effectively to nerve signals, leading to weakness and fatigue.
