WHAT IS gMG?

Everyone experiences gMG differently

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare, chronic autoimmune disorder involving your nerves and muscles. Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) is a more severe type of MG that can weaken muscles throughout the body.

Symptoms of gMG can make a variety of familiar activities—like climbing stairs, chewing, swallowing, brushing your teeth, or combing your hair—very challenging.

It can also cause debilitating muscle weakness and fatigue that can feel like it's taking over your life—socially, emotionally, and physically.

While most people with gMG experience muscle weakness and fatigue, these symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can affect any part of your body. Symptoms may also fluctuate throughout the day, and from one day to the next.

Rethinking your treatment goals

While some treatments can help ease symptoms, they may not address any underlying causes of gMG.

What causes gMG and its symptoms?

gMG is caused by harmful antibodies in your immune system that get in the way of signals between nerves and muscles at the neuromuscular junction, which is where they meet.

Anti-AChR antibodies are the most common cause of gMG.

Anti-AChR antibody.

Anti-AChR antibodies are found in about 80%-88% of people living with gMG.

Anti-AChR antibodies trigger a part of your immune system called “complement,” which activates proteins that attack your own muscle cells.

This limits your muscles' ability to receive signals from nerves, causing the weakness and fatigue you may feel.

Anti-AChR antibody.

Anti-AChR antibodies are found in about 80%-88% of people living with gMG.

Neuromuscular junction with normal function

Normal Function
Signals are sent from nerves and received by muscles as part of normal muscle function and movement.

Signals are sent from nerves and received by muscles as part of normal muscle function and movement

Neuromuscular junction in gMG

Harmful antibodies disrupt these signals and activate the complement system, resulting in damage to the muscle cells and the symptoms of gMG.
Harmful antibodies disrupt these signals and activate the complement system, resulting in damage to the muscle cells and the symptoms of gMG.

Harmful antibodies disrupt these signals and activate the complement system, resulting in damage to the muscle cells and the symptoms of gMG

AChR=acetylcholine receptor.

Your voice matters

Because people with MG may appear healthy on the outside, family, friends, and healthcare providers may not realize how symptoms impact your daily life.

Share your gMG challenges with your doctor to help them better understand your unique experience with this condition. If you're not satisfied with your treatment progress, ask if a targeted treatment option may be right for you.

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