Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the neuromuscular system. It is caused by the production of antibodies that interfere with the way nerves communicate with muscles. As a result, affected muscles become weak and tired.
Myasthenia gravis is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person. The exact cause of the disease is unknown, however, it is thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
It is possible for the disease to be passed on to an individual's children, but this is not common. In some cases, the disease can be inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, in which both parents carry the gene but do not necessarily have the disease themselves. If both parents have the gene, there is a 25% chance that their children will inherit the disease.
In other cases, the disease can be acquired if the individual develops an autoimmune response to their own body. This usually occurs when the individual is exposed to a certain type of environmental trigger, such as a virus or medication. In this case, the disease is not inherited, but rather develops due to the individual's own immune response.
Myasthenia gravis is a lifelong condition that requires careful management and monitoring. Treatment typically involves medications to reduce muscle weakness, such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, as well as immunosuppressants to reduce the body's immune response. Surgery may be necessary to remove the thymus, which is believed to be the source of the autoantibodies that cause the disease.
There is currently no cure for myasthenia gravis, but with proper management and treatment, most people with the disease can live a normal life.