Are multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis related?

Autoimmune mechanisms are implicated in both myasthenia gravis (MG) and multiple sclerosis (MS), and hypothesis of a common immunological mechanism of pathogenesis is supported by the fact that this rare combination of the two diseases occurs more frequently than expected by random association.

What type of autoimmune disease is myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which antibodies destroy the communication between nerves and muscle, resulting in weakness of the skeletal muscles. Myasthenia gravis affects the voluntary muscles of the body, especially those that control the eyes, mouth, throat and limbs.

What is the main cause of myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is caused by an abnormal immune reaction (antibody-mediated autoimmune response) in which the body’s immune defenses (i.e., antibodies) inappropriately attack certain proteins in muscles that receive nerve impulses.

Can myasthenia gravis go away?

Myasthenia gravis is a chronic condition, but it can go into remission—meaning the signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis disappear—lasting for several years. Most people with myasthenia gravis are able to gain muscle strength through medication or immunotherapy.

What diseases are similar to myasthenia gravis?

Beware: there are other diseases that mimic myasthenia gravis. A number of disorders may mimic MG, including generalized fatigue, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, botulism, penicillamine-induced myasthenia, and congenital myasthenic syndromes.

What are the long term effects of myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is a rare long-term condition that causes muscle weakness. It most commonly affects the muscles that control the eyes and eyelids, facial expressions, chewing, swallowing and speaking. But it can affect most parts of the body.

How bad can myasthenia gravis get?

In about 1 in 5 people, only the eye muscles are affected. Treatment can usually help keep the symptoms under control. Very occasionally, myasthenia gravis gets better on its own. If severe, myasthenia gravis can be life-threatening, but it does not have a significant impact on life expectancy for most people.