Causes of Myasthenia Gravis

Fri, 15 Dec 2023

Causes of Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease, an illness that develops when the persons body tissues are attacked by their own immune system. The immune system within the body is there to find and destroy foreign undesirable intruders, such as bacteria, toxins, or viruses. If somebody has an autoimmune disease their abnormal antibodies, which circulate in the blood, attack normal components of body tissues.

In Myasthenia gravis, antibodies have produced that block or destroy muscle receptor cells. Our nerves communicate with our muscles by releasing neurotransmitters (type of chemicals) which fit precisely into receptor sites on the muscle cells (muscle receptor cells). Blocking of these receptors leads to decrease in a number of functional muscle fibers resulting inadequate communication between the nerves and affected muscles; the muscles then cannot contract properly and become tired and weak very easily - with fewer receptor sites the muscles receive fewer nerve signals.

Symptoms among patients who already have the disease may worsen with some medications, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, quinine, and some antibiotics. Many believe some people have a genetic propensity to developing the disease.

The following are known to make Myasthenia Gravis symptoms worse:

• Emotional/mental stress
• Illness
• Some medications
• Tiredness
• Very high temperatures

More About Myasthenia Gravis

• Myasthenia Gravis
• Signs & Symptoms of Myasthenia
• Diagnosing Myasthenia Gravis
• Treatment options for Myasthenia
• Complications of Myasthenia Gravis