What is MG?
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
THE IMPACT OF MG
MG can make daily tasks far more difficult
Myasthenia gravis (MG) results from a problem in signaling between nerves and muscles.
This problem happens in the neuromuscular junction, the place where nerves meet the muscles they control.
Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) is a more severe form of MG that can weaken muscles throughout the entire body. gMG can affect your nerves and muscles, causing muscle weakness and fatigue that can feel overwhelming. These symptoms can be debilitating and often result in symptoms that can make activities of daily living like climbing stairs, chewing, or brushing your teeth very challenging.
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 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 antibodies are found in about 80%-88% of people living with gMG.
Neuromuscular junction with normal function
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
AChR=acetylcholine receptor.
Everyone experiences gMG differently
If you’re living with gMG, you may appear healthy on the outside, but what’s happening on the inside can seriously impact every part of your life.
It can be easy for friends, family, and co-workers to forget that you may struggle with debilitating symptoms. While everyone living with gMG experiences their condition differently, most people suffer from symptoms that can make even daily tasks extremely difficult.
Around half of people with gMG experience debilitating symptoms—even if they’re on treatment.
While some treatments can help ease symptoms, they may not address any underlying causes of gMG.
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