SERVING & SUPPORTING THE MICHIGAN MYASTHENIA GRAVIS COMMUNITY

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The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Michigan is committed to our MG Community by providing patient support, community connections, education, and advocacy.

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What is Myasthenia Gravis?

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About Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis (pronounced My-as-theen-ee-a Grav-us), also know as “MG,” is a serious autoimmune neuromuscular disease that manifests itself by varying degrees of weakness in the body.

Who gets mg? Studies have found people with MG:

For every 100,000 people

20

people

will be living with MG.

MG more frequently affects women than men.

Age of onset peaks 40 for females and 60 for men.

62

females

38

males

For unknown reasons, the immune system of MG patients produces antibodies that attack the junction between the nerve and muscle cells. The impulse from a healthy nerve is blocked or altered by these antibodies so it cannot reach the healthy muscle. This defect, along with a reduction of nerve receptor sites (There is as much as an 80% reduction in the number of these receptor sites with MG), causes fatigue and weakness of the myasthenic’s voluntary muscles.

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Understanding Myasthenia Gravis

The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Michigan (MG-MI) was founded in 1976 to raise awareness about MG and provide resources and support to persons living with MG and their caregivers.

You’re not alone - MG can affect people from all walks of life.

For unknown reasons, the immune system of MG patients produces antibodies that attack the junction between the nerve and muscle cells. The impulse from a healthy nerve is blocked or altered by these antibodies so it cannot reach the healthy muscle. This defect, along with a reduction of nerve receptor sites (There is as much as an 80% reduction in the number of these receptor sites with MG), causes fatigue and weakness of the myasthenic’s voluntary muscles.

There is hope!

Due to advances in treatment, the future for a patient with MG is very bright. In some cases, MG may go into remission for a period of time when no treatment is necessary. While there is much that can be done, there is still much more to learn to better understand MG. Research is ongoing and will continue until a cure is found.