What is the pathophysiology behind myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder. This means the body's defense system, which usually fights infections, mistakenly attacks its own cells. In myasthenia gravis, the immune system targets a part of the body called the neuromuscular junction. This is where nerves meet muscles and help them work together.

How It Works:

1. Antibodies Attack: The immune system makes special proteins called antibodies. In myasthenia gravis, these antibodies attack receptors on muscle cells.
2. Blocked Communication: These receptors are important because they receive signals from nerves that tell muscles to move. When antibodies block these receptors, muscles can't get the right signals.
3. Muscle Weakness: Without proper signals, muscles become weak and tired easily, especially after activity.

This condition often affects muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expressions, and swallowing. It can also impact other muscles, leading to generalized weakness. Treatment usually focuses on improving communication between nerves and muscles and managing the immune system's response.