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What causes myasthenia gravis?

Complement Causes Damage

In myasthenia gravis (MG), certain antibodies mistakenly interfere with the signals that travel between the nerves and muscles. The body sees this as a threat and activates the complement system—a part of the immune system—to go on the attack.

The complement system normally helps to protect against certain types of infections. But in MG, the complement system attacks and destroys the neuromuscular junction—the area where the nerves and muscles meet. The resulting damage can cause muscle weakness, which may contribute to MG symptoms.

MG SYMPTOMS

Factors that Can Make MG Worse

Muscle weakness and other MG symptoms can be exacerbated by triggers beyond your control:

  • Being overtired
  • Fighting an infection
  • Feeling stressed
  • Having surgery
  • Being pregnant
  • Getting your period
  • Taking certain medications
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MG SYMPTOM ASSESSMENT

Measure your symptoms by taking the Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) assessment.

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