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What Is Myasthenia Gravis?Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disorderthat causes muscle weakness. It affects muscles that aperson can usually control consciously. Muscles mostcommonly affected are those controlling the eyelids,eye movement, and breathing and swallowing, aswell as the facial and shoulder muscles. The weaknesstends to temporarily worsen with activity and improvewith rest. MG is an autoimmune disorder. This meansthe body’s immune system mistakenly attacks theconnection between the nerve and muscle. In MG, themuscle cells have problems responding to the nerveimpulses that normally signal them to contract, andthis results in weakness.The disease usually does not reduce life expectancy.Most people with MG manage their symptoms andlead active lives. MG affects people of all ages andethnic groups. Women are most often affected intheir 20s and 30s. Men usually develop MG in latemiddle age.Transmission of Nerve Impulses to MusclesMuscleNerveCellReceptorMusclecontraction occurswhen receptors are stimulatedNormalAntibodyReducedmuscle contraction whenreceptors are blockedWith Myasthenia GravisAcetylcholineSAMPLE COPYRIGHTED

For Family and FriendsMG can take a toll on the family, too. If you arecaring for a family member or friend with MG,take care of yourself, as well. Avoid the feelingthat you have to do it all yourself. Get help fromfamily, friends, and professionals. There are manysupport groups for caregivers. See Resources fororganizations to contact.Help Us Cure Brain DiseaseMake a Donation to ResearchThe American Brain Foundation supports vitalresearch and education to discover causes, improvedtreatments, and cures for brain and other nervoussystem diseases. To learn more or to make a donationto support research, visit www.CureBrainDisease.org.Make Your Voice HeardTo keep research advancing toward future cures andtreatments for brain disease, it is important for peopleaffected by neurologic disorders to advocate for moreresearch funding. Contact your members of Congressand ask them to support neurology research byincreasing funding for the National Institutes of Health(NIH). Look up your Congressional representatives atwww.senate.gov and www.house.gov. Your voice canmake a difference.Take Part in ResearchPeople are needed for clinical trials that can helpfind new treatments for neurologic disorders. Clinicaltrials are research studies. They help ensure that newdrugs are both safe and effective. Ask your neurologisthow to volunteer for a clinical trial. You can alsofind trials through patient organizations or theAmerican Academy of Neurology website atwww.aan.com/view/clinicaltrials.SAMPLE COPYRIGHTED

ResourcesAmerican Academy of Neurologywww.aan.com/patients(800) 879-1960The American Academy of Neurology website forpatients and caregivers offers a wealth of articles,information about events and resources, and links tosupport groups, clinical trial information, and more.Neurology Now ® magazinewww.neurologynow.com(800) 879-1960Free magazine for patients and caregivers, courtesyof the American Academy of Neurology. Stories aboutpeople living with neurologic disorders, the latestinformation on resources and treatments, and more.American Autoimmune Related DiseasesAssociationwww.aarda.org(586) 776-3900Muscular Dystrophy Associationwww.mdausa.org(800) 572-1717Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of Americawww.myasthenia.org(800) 541-5454SAMPLE COPYRIGHTED