What type of disease is Myasthenia Gravis?

Myasthenia Gravis is classified as an autoimmune degenerative progressive disease because it is characterized by the body's immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues, specifically the communication between nerves and muscles. In this condition, antibodies produced by the immune system block or destroy nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. This disruption leads to weakness in voluntary muscles, particularly those that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and swallowing.

The term "degenerative" refers to the gradual worsening of muscle weakness over time, which aligns with the progressive nature of the disease. The classification as an autoimmune disorder highlights that it is not caused by genetic factors or purely by degeneration of nerve cells, but rather by a malfunctioning immune response. This understanding is crucial for diagnosing and managing Myasthenia Gravis effectively, as treatment often focuses on modifying the immune response, enhancing neuromuscular transmission, and managing symptoms.