For people with Myasthenia Gravis, the immune system - which usually protects the body from viruses or infections - mistakenly attacks itself. The error happens when the normal communication between nerves and muscles is disrupted at the place where nerve cells connect to the muscles they control. In MG patients, the antibodies produced by the body either block, alter or destroy the receptors that allow muscles to contract. When the muscles are unable to contract, they become weaker over time.

Myasthenia Gravis affects men and women across all ethnic and racial groups. Occurring in adults (women under 40 and men over 60), MG can also develop during childhood.

Antibodies are proteins produced by our body’s immune system which support us in good health, by preventing or limiting infection. They work alongside other parts of the immune system to get rid of the bacteria or viruses that cause disease.

In Myasthenia Gravis, the effectiveness of what’s known as the neuromuscular junction is weakened by antibodies damaging the receptors. This means that the signals from our nerves to muscles and the brain can’t function properly - causing the body to prevent the muscles from contracting. The specific reason for abnormalities occurring in the immune system isn’t known. However, some research shows there is a link between irregularities in the Thymus Gland and Myasthenia Gravis.

The Thymus Gland, which controls immune function, can play a part in the development of our immune cells. For people with Myasthenia Gravis, there is a breakdown in communication between the Thymus Gland and the body, which can cause the immune system to attack its own cells. Read on to find out more about the Thymus Gland.