Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCommon CausesGeneticsCardiovascular InvolvementLifestyle Risk FactorsNext in Myasthenia Gravis GuideHow Myasthenia Gravis Is Diagnosed
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Common Causes
Genetics
Cardiovascular Involvement
Lifestyle Risk Factors
Next in Myasthenia Gravis Guide
The cause ofmyasthenia gravis(MG)is an autoimmune reaction in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks specific proteins in the muscles, causing weakness. A genetic predisposition to autoimmune disorders and certain lifestyle factors contribute to the risk of this disease.
There is no cure for MG, but sometreatments can help alleviate its symptoms. Although myasthenia gravis can be diagnosed at any age, including during childhood, it is most often seen in women less than 40 and men more than 60.
This article explores the common causes and risk factors associated with myasthenia gravis.
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A person with MG can also have antibodies—called muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibodies—produced against proteins located on the surface of the muscle membrane.
Causes of Immunodeficiency
The specific underlying cause of the abnormal immune response, which occurs in people with MG, is not well known.
However, studies have discovered a link between people with MG and abnormalities in the form of enlargement of thethymus gland.
According to Harvard Health, nearly 80% of people with MG have distinct abnormalities of the thymus gland.
Causes of Ocular Myasthenia Gravis
Ocular MG isa type of MG that involves the muscles that move the eyes and eyelids. This causes:
Verywell / Alexandra Gordon
Nearly 15% of people with MG only have ocular MG gravis.
Over time, if weakness develops in other muscles in the body, the type of myasthenia gravis may change from ocular myasthenia gravis to generalized myasthenia gravis.
Causes of Transient Neonatal Myasthenia Gravis
Some newborns (with mothers who have MG) develop muscle weakness temporarily. This is a condition called transient neonatal MG.
The cause of transient neonatal myasthenia gravis is antiacetylcholine receptor antibodies that travel through the placenta to the unborn child during pregnancy.
Most cases of MG do not involve a family history of the disease; MG is thought to occur sporadically for unknown reasons. But that is not always the case. In 5% of those with myasthenia gravis, there is a family member with some type of autoimmune disorder.
Also, genetics are thought to possibly play a role in predisposing a person to MG. This is because specific antigens—called human leukocyte antigens—which are genetically determined, are thought to affect a person’s risk of getting certain types of diseases.
Commonly, people with MG develop other types of autoimmune disease, including thyroid disorders and systemic (involving the entire body)lupus erythematosus.
Individuals with MG also have an increased frequency of certain genetically determined human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), suggesting that genetic predisposition may play some role in the development of myasthenia gravis.
Genetic Predisposition for Autoimmune DiseasesUnlike many other types of disorders, MG is not considered a disease that is directly inherited, but rather, there may be a genetic predisposition for autoimmune diseases.
Genetic Predisposition for Autoimmune Diseases
Unlike many other types of disorders, MG is not considered a disease that is directly inherited, but rather, there may be a genetic predisposition for autoimmune diseases.
In addition to its impact on the neuromuscular system, MG impacts other organs and systems of the body, The disease is known to cause a high prevalence of heart problems in 10% to 15% of those with MG who also have thymoma.
Cardiovascular involvement may include:
According to a 2014 study, the heart muscle is a target for autoimmune inflammation in MG.In addition to thymoma posing a risk factor to heart muscle involvement in those with MG, other factors may influence this risk as well, including:
A 2018 Swedish study found that those with late-onset disease had a more disadvantageous pattern of lifestyle-related risk factors, and a higher rate of:
General Risk Factors
General risk factors found to increase the chance of a person getting MG include:
Prevention Measures
If you have been diagnosed with MG, many lifestyle changes may help prevent flare-ups and lower the chances of worsening symptoms, these lifestyle changes include:
A Word From Verywell
At Verywell Health, we know that being diagnosed with a condition such as MG is no small undertaking. The condition is lifelong, but early diagnosis and intervention are the keys to effectively managing the disease on a long-term basis.
If you suspect you may have myasthenia gravis, it’s important to call your healthcare provider right away.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Myasthenia gravis fact sheet.Harvard Health.Myasthenia gravis.Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America.Learn more about MG.University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center.Neuromuscular - myasthenia gravis.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Myasthenia gravis.Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Myasthenia gravis.Shivamurthy P, Parker MW.Cardiac manifestations of myasthenia gravis: A systematic review.IJC Metabolic & Endocrine. 2014;5:3-6. doi:10.1016/j.ijcme.2014.08.003Suzuki S, Utsugisawa K, Nagane Y, Suzuki N.Three types of striational antibodies in myasthenia gravis.Autoimmune Diseases. 2011;2011:1-7. doi:10.4061/2011/740583Westerberg, E. UPPSALA UNIERSITET.Environmental factors of importance in myasthenia gravis.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Myasthenia gravis fact sheet.Harvard Health.Myasthenia gravis.Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America.Learn more about MG.University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center.Neuromuscular - myasthenia gravis.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Myasthenia gravis.Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Myasthenia gravis.Shivamurthy P, Parker MW.Cardiac manifestations of myasthenia gravis: A systematic review.IJC Metabolic & Endocrine. 2014;5:3-6. doi:10.1016/j.ijcme.2014.08.003Suzuki S, Utsugisawa K, Nagane Y, Suzuki N.Three types of striational antibodies in myasthenia gravis.Autoimmune Diseases. 2011;2011:1-7. doi:10.4061/2011/740583Westerberg, E. UPPSALA UNIERSITET.Environmental factors of importance in myasthenia gravis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Myasthenia gravis fact sheet.Harvard Health.Myasthenia gravis.Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America.Learn more about MG.University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center.Neuromuscular - myasthenia gravis.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Myasthenia gravis.Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Myasthenia gravis.Shivamurthy P, Parker MW.Cardiac manifestations of myasthenia gravis: A systematic review.IJC Metabolic & Endocrine. 2014;5:3-6. doi:10.1016/j.ijcme.2014.08.003Suzuki S, Utsugisawa K, Nagane Y, Suzuki N.Three types of striational antibodies in myasthenia gravis.Autoimmune Diseases. 2011;2011:1-7. doi:10.4061/2011/740583Westerberg, E. UPPSALA UNIERSITET.Environmental factors of importance in myasthenia gravis.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Myasthenia gravis fact sheet.
Harvard Health.Myasthenia gravis.
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America.Learn more about MG.
University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center.Neuromuscular - myasthenia gravis.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Myasthenia gravis.
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Myasthenia gravis.
Shivamurthy P, Parker MW.Cardiac manifestations of myasthenia gravis: A systematic review.IJC Metabolic & Endocrine. 2014;5:3-6. doi:10.1016/j.ijcme.2014.08.003
Suzuki S, Utsugisawa K, Nagane Y, Suzuki N.Three types of striational antibodies in myasthenia gravis.Autoimmune Diseases. 2011;2011:1-7. doi:10.4061/2011/740583
Westerberg, E. UPPSALA UNIERSITET.Environmental factors of importance in myasthenia gravis.
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