Tennis legend Monica Seles is bravely sharing her experiences with myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular autoimmune disease she was diagnosed with three years ago. In a recent interview with The Associated Press, the 51-year-old Seles revealed her decision to disclose her diagnosis ahead of the U.S. Open, scheduled for later this month, aims to raise awareness about this condition, commonly referred to as MG.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, myasthenia gravis affects approximately 20 out of every 100,000 individuals worldwide. However, the actual incidence may be higher, as some individuals with milder forms of the disease may remain undiagnosed. In the United States alone, an estimated 60,000 people are living with myasthenia gravis at any given time.
With a remarkable career that includes nine Grand Slam titles and induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Seles spoke candidly about the time it took her to process her diagnosis. "It took me quite some time to really absorb it and speak openly about it because it's a difficult one. It affects my day-to-day life quite a lot," she told the Associated Press.
Monica Seles shared that she was referred to a neurologist after experiencing troubling symptoms like double vision and weakness in her arms and legs. "I would be playing with some kids or family members, and I would miss a ball. I was like, 'Yeah, I see two balls,'" she explained, emphasizing that these symptoms are hard to overlook. Even simple tasks like blowing out her hair became challenging.
Myasthenia gravis can impact various muscle groups, including those in the face and neck. Common symptoms include:
Muscle weakness and fatigue Droopy eyelids Blurry or double vision Limited facial expressions Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or chewing Trouble walkingTypically, muscles weaken during activity and may improve with rest, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic.
The autoimmune form of myasthenia gravis occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. The Cleveland Clinic states that the exact cause of this malfunction remains unclear. Research suggests that certain immune cells in the thymus gland may struggle to differentiate between harmful invaders, such as bacteria or viruses, and the body's healthy components.
While myasthenia gravis can affect individuals of any age, the Mayo Clinic highlights that it is more prevalent in women under 40 and men over 60.
Currently, there is no cure for myasthenia gravis; however, various treatments can alleviate symptoms. Options include medications, surgery to remove the thymus gland, lifestyle adjustments, and more, as outlined by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. In some instances, individuals with myasthenia gravis may experience spontaneous remission, either temporarily or permanently, with complete resolution of muscle weakness.
Monica Seles' openness about her journey with myasthenia gravis not only sheds light on this often misunderstood condition but also serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges.
