Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Monica Seles Says She Was Relieved With The Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosis, But It Has Changed Her Life

Nine-time Grand Slam champion Monica Seles is using her popularity and platform to shed light on a rare chronic neuromuscular condition that has changed her life. Myasthenia Gravis.

In an interview with Good Morning America on Tuesday, the former World No. 1 revealed for the first time that she was diagnosed three years ago with myasthenia gravis, or MG, an autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness.

"It was 30 years ago that I came back to the [U.S.] Open ... It was like a reset, and this was one of the reasons I decided to go public with my myasthenia gravis," Seles said. "It’s been a huge reset not just in my professional life as a tennis player, but also in my personal life."

Seles, who last played professionally in 2003 and officially retired in 2008, said she hopes her story will help others who may be struggling with unexplained symptoms.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/experts-warn-against-the-unique-symptoms-of-stratus-covid-strain-that-has-infected-a-large-uk-population-can-it-evade-antibodies-article-152455852" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Experts Warn Against The Unique Symptoms Of 'Stratus' Covid Strain That Has Infected A Large UK Population; Can It Evade Antibodies?</a>

The 51-year-old said her training as a professional athlete helped her notice early changes in her body.

"I started experiencing these symptoms of extreme leg weakness, arm weakness, double vision. So I realized, ‘This is very unusual,’" she explained. "Once I was diagnosed, it was like a relief, but also it was a challenge."

Travel, once routine during her tennis career, has become more complicated. "Even coming here today, in the old days, traveling would be a no-brainer. Now I had to get packing tips. I had to learn a new way to live with MG," she said.

Seles admitted she had never heard of myasthenia gravis before her diagnosis. "I had no clue what it was. I had a hard time pronouncing it," she said with a smile. 

She hopes that talking about her experience will encourage people to seek medical advice if they notice changes in their health.

"It’s been a very challenging time dealing with it," she added. "But knowing there’s hope out there and a great community has helped me tremendously."

Her message to others: "Advocate for yourself and know your symptoms."

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/tennis-player-monica-seles-opens-up-about-her-myasthenia-gravis-diagnosis-article-152452748" data-type="tilCustomLink">Tennis Player Monica Seles Opens Up About Her Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosis</a>

According to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), myasthenia gravis is a chronic neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in voluntary muscles, the muscles responsible for movements like walking, swallowing, breathing, and facial expressions.

MG occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy muscle receptors, disrupting the signals needed for muscle contraction. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that the condition is not inherited or contagious and often develops later in life.

The disease can affect anyone, but it most commonly impacts women under 40 and men over 60. Symptoms may include:

<ul><li>Drooping eyelids (ptosis) and double vision (diplopia)</li><li>Muscle weakness that worsens with activity</li><li>Trouble swallowing or speaking clearly</li><li>Weakness in the arms, legs, neck, or face</li><li>Shortness of breath in severe cases</li></ul>

Symptoms can vary widely between individuals. In rare situations, a myasthenic crisis may occur, affecting breathing muscles and requiring emergency medical care.

Because the symptoms of MG can resemble other health conditions, diagnosis involves a combination of physical and neurological exams, blood tests, and nerve stimulation studies.

There is currently no cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include medications that enhance communication between nerves and muscles, immunosuppressive drugs, and in some cases, surgery to remove the thymus gland.

Temporary forms of MG can occur in newborns if a mother has the disease, but these cases usually resolve within two to three months.

While managing myasthenia gravis has brought challenges, Seles continues to find joy in life and in the sport she loves. She still follows tennis closely and is excited about the current generation of players.

"I wish I had a crystal ball," she said. "I love Coco Gauff, the electricity she brought to the U.S. Open. As a tennis fan, we just want great matches and the excitement of the fans."

By sharing her personal journey, Seles hopes to break the silence around MG and help others feel less alone. "When I got diagnosed, I wished I had heard someone talk about it. Now, I hope my story can be that for someone else."

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Nine-time Grand Slam champion Monica Seles is using her popularity and platform to shed light on a rare chronic neuromuscular condition that has changed her life. Myasthenia Gravis. In an interview with Good Morning America on Tuesday, the former World No. 1 revealed for the first time that she was diagnosed three years ago with myasthenia gravis, or MG, an autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness."It was 30 years ago that I came back to the [U.S.] Open ... It was like a reset, and this was one of the reasons I decided to go public with my myasthenia gravis," Seles said. "It’s been a huge reset not just in my professional life as a tennis player, but also in my personal life."Seles, who last played professionally in 2003 and officially retired in 2008, said she hopes her story will help others who may be struggling with unexplained symptoms.Also Read: Experts Warn Against The Unique Symptoms Of 'Stratus' Covid Strain That Has Infected A Large UK Population; Can It Evade Antibodies? Recognizing the SignsThe 51-year-old said her training as a professional athlete helped her notice early changes in her body."I started experiencing these symptoms of extreme leg weakness, arm weakness, double vision. So I realized, ‘This is very unusual,’" she explained. "Once I was diagnosed, it was like a relief, but also it was a challenge."Travel, once routine during her tennis career, has become more complicated. "Even coming here today, in the old days, traveling would be a no-brainer. Now I had to get packing tips. I had to learn a new way to live with MG," she said.Speaking Out to Help OthersSeles admitted she had never heard of myasthenia gravis before her diagnosis. "I had no clue what it was. I had a hard time pronouncing it," she said with a smile. She hopes that talking about her experience will encourage people to seek medical advice if they notice changes in their health."It’s been a very challenging time dealing with it," she added. "But knowing there’s hope out there and a great community has helped me tremendously."Her message to others: "Advocate for yourself and know your symptoms."Also Read: Tennis Player Monica Seles Opens Up About Her Myasthenia Gravis DiagnosisWhat Is Myasthenia Gravis?According to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), myasthenia gravis is a chronic neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in voluntary muscles, the muscles responsible for movements like walking, swallowing, breathing, and facial expressions.MG occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy muscle receptors, disrupting the signals needed for muscle contraction. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that the condition is not inherited or contagious and often develops later in life.The disease can affect anyone, but it most commonly impacts women under 40 and men over 60. Symptoms may include:Drooping eyelids (ptosis) and double vision (diplopia)Muscle weakness that worsens with activityTrouble swallowing or speaking clearlyWeakness in the arms, legs, neck, or faceShortness of breath in severe casesSymptoms can vary widely between individuals. In rare situations, a myasthenic crisis may occur, affecting breathing muscles and requiring emergency medical care.Diagnosis and TreatmentBecause the symptoms of MG can resemble other health conditions, diagnosis involves a combination of physical and neurological exams, blood tests, and nerve stimulation studies.There is currently no cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include medications that enhance communication between nerves and muscles, immunosuppressive drugs, and in some cases, surgery to remove the thymus gland.Temporary forms of MG can occur in newborns if a mother has the disease, but these cases usually resolve within two to three months.Looking AheadWhile managing myasthenia gravis has brought challenges, Seles continues to find joy in life and in the sport she loves. She still follows tennis closely and is excited about the current generation of players."I wish I had a crystal ball," she said. "I love Coco Gauff, the electricity she brought to the U.S. Open. As a tennis fan, we just want great matches and the excitement of the fans."By sharing her personal journey, Seles hopes to break the silence around MG and help others feel less alone. "When I got diagnosed, I wished I had heard someone talk about it. Now, I hope my story can be that for someone else."