Tennis icon Monica Seles reveals myasthenia gravis diagnosis. What to know about the disease.
Tennis icon Monica Seles recently spoke out about her battle with myasthenia gravis, a rare neuromuscular autoimmune disease that she was diagnosed with three years ago. In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, the 51-year-old athlete revealed her diagnosis in hopes of raising awareness about the condition ahead of the upcoming U.S. Open.
Myasthenia gravis, also known as MG, affects approximately 20 out of every 100,000 individuals worldwide, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, the actual number of cases may be higher, as some people with mild symptoms may go undiagnosed. In the United States alone, an estimated 60,000 individuals are living with myasthenia gravis at any given time.
Seles, known for her impressive career that included nine Grand Slam titles and a spot in the International Tennis Hall of Fame, admitted that coming to terms with her diagnosis was a challenging process. She expressed, “It took me quite some time to really absorb it, speak openly about it, because it’s a difficult one. It affects my day-to-day life quite a lot.”
The symptoms of myasthenia gravis can vary but commonly include muscle weakness and fatigue, droopy eyelids, double vision, limited facial expressions, difficulty speaking, swallowing, or chewing, and trouble walking. Seles recounted experiencing double vision and weakness in her limbs, making simple tasks like playing with family members or styling her hair challenging.
The autoimmune form of myasthenia gravis occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, particularly in the thymus gland. While the exact cause of this autoimmune response remains unclear, studies suggest that immune cells may struggle to differentiate between harmful invaders and the body’s own cells.
Although there is currently no cure for myasthenia gravis, treatment options are available to manage symptoms. These may include medications, surgical removal of the thymus gland, lifestyle adjustments, and other interventions to improve quality of life. In some cases, individuals may experience periods of remission where muscle weakness subsides entirely.
As Seles bravely shares her journey with myasthenia gravis, she hopes to shed light on this lesser-known condition and inspire others facing similar health challenges. Through her openness and advocacy, she aims to raise awareness, foster understanding, and provide support for those impacted by this rare autoimmune disease.
