What are the primary causes of myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is a condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks certain parts of the body that help muscles work properly. This usually involves the immune system creating antibodies that target proteins at the junction where nerves and muscles communicate.

Key Causes:

1. Antibodies Against Acetylcholine Receptors: Most commonly, the immune system creates antibodies against acetylcholine receptors, which are crucial for nerve signals to reach muscles and make them move.
2. Other Antibodies: In some cases, antibodies might target other proteins like agrin, which also play a role in muscle function.

How It Affects the Body:

• Muscle Weakness: Because the nerve signals can’t properly reach the muscles, this leads to muscle weakness, which is the main symptom of myasthenia gravis.

Overall, the immune system’s attack on these important parts of the body’s muscle communication system is what leads to the symptoms of myasthenia gravis.