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Aarushi Bhadury

Tennis Player Monica Seles Opens Up About Her Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosis

Tennis great <span>Monica Seles</span>, in an interview with Associated News, recently shared that she was diagnosed with <span>myasthenia gravis</span> (MG) three years ago. This is the first time she's spoken publicly about the disease, which is a rare condition that causes muscles to become weak. 

Seles, who won nine major tennis titles, first noticed something was wrong while hitting tennis balls. She said she started seeing two balls instead of one and felt a sudden weakness in her arms and legs. She also mentioned that simple things like blowing out her hair became very difficult. 

Seles said it was hard for her to accept the diagnosis at first. She decided to speak out to help others, hoping her story will bring more attention to myasthenia gravis. Before she got her diagnosis, she had never heard of the condition. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">What Is Myasthenia Gravis</span>? </h2>

Medscape explains that myasthenia gravis is a <span>chronic neuromuscular disease</span>. This means it's a long-term illness that affects the way your nerves and muscles work together. It causes weakness in the muscles that you can control, such as those in your arms, legs, and face. While it can affect people of any age, it is most common in: 

<ul><li>Young women under 40</li><li>Older men over 60</li></ul>

<ul><li>Visual problems which includes drooping eyelids and seeing double.</li><li>Your muscles might feel weak and tired very quickly, and this can change from day to day or even hour to hour.</li><li>Your facial muscles can become weak, which may make a smile look more like a snarl.</li><li>Difficulty speaking or swallowing, you might also have trouble pronouncing words or swallowing food.</li><li>Weakness in the neck or limbs like your arms, legs, or neck may feel weak</li></ul>

The symptoms of MG can sometimes look like other conditions, so it's always important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. People with MG may experience periods when their symptoms get worse (flare-ups) and periods when they get better (remission), but the condition is rarely cured completely.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/breast-milk-ice-cream-hits-the-shelves-but-do-adults-really-need-it-article-152450761" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Breast Milk Ice Cream Hits The Shelves, But Do Adults Really Need It?</a> 

<h2>How is Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosed? </h2>

To figure out if you have MG, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. One key way they test for it is by giving you a specific medicine. If your muscle weakness quickly gets a lot better after taking the medicine, it's a strong sign that you have MG. 

Doctors might also use other tests. They can do blood tests to look for certain antibodies that are common in people with MG. They might also use nerve and muscle tests to see how your nerves are sending signals to your muscles and to measure your muscle's electrical activity. 

<h2>Treatment and Management of Myasthenia Gravis </h2>

While there's no cure for MG, the symptoms can be controlled. The main goal of treatment is to make your muscles stronger and prevent problems with breathing and swallowing. Most people with MG can live normal or close-to-normal lives with the right care. 

Treatment often includes medicine, such as drugs that control the immune system or help your muscles work better. Sometimes, a doctor may suggest surgery to remove the thymus gland, which can help reduce symptoms for many people. Other treatments, like plasmapheresis, can be used to remove the bad antibodies from your blood. 

<h2>Can You Prevent Myasthenia Gravis? </h2>

To help prevent a myasthenia crisis, you should always take your medicines exactly as prescribed. It can also help to take your medicine 30 to 45 minutes before meals to prevent food from getting into your lungs. 

Try to avoid getting sick by staying away from people with colds or the flu, and make sure you get proper nutrition, rest, and manage your stress. It is also very important to always tell your doctors about your MG diagnosis and the medicines you are taking before they prescribe you anything new. Some medicines can interfere with your condition or your treatment. 

The most serious complication of MG is a myasthenia crisis. This is when you have extreme muscle weakness, especially in the muscles you need to breathe. This is a medical emergency and may require help from a breathing machine. 

Seles, who is 51, said she has learned to live with a "new normal." She sees this challenge as just another "reset" in her life, similar to when she moved to the U.S. as a young teenager or when she was recovering from a stabbing. Her message is one of strength and a reminder to always adjust, just like a tennis player on the court. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Monica Seles

Tennis Player Monica Seles

Myasthenia Gravis

chronic neuromuscular disease

What is Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis Symptoms

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Tennis great Monica Seles, in an interview with Associated News, recently shared that she was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) three years ago. This is the first time she's spoken publicly about the disease, which is a rare condition that causes muscles to become weak. Seles, who won nine major tennis titles, first noticed something was wrong while hitting tennis balls. She said she started seeing two balls instead of one and felt a sudden weakness in her arms and legs. She also mentioned that simple things like blowing out her hair became very difficult. Seles said it was hard for her to accept the diagnosis at first. She decided to speak out to help others, hoping her story will bring more attention to myasthenia gravis. Before she got her diagnosis, she had never heard of the condition. What Is Myasthenia Gravis? Medscape explains that myasthenia gravis is a chronic neuromuscular disease. This means it's a long-term illness that affects the way your nerves and muscles work together. It causes weakness in the muscles that you can control, such as those in your arms, legs, and face. While it can affect people of any age, it is most common in: Young women under 40Older men over 60Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis The most common symptoms of MG are: Visual problems which includes drooping eyelids and seeing double.Your muscles might feel weak and tired very quickly, and this can change from day to day or even hour to hour.Your facial muscles can become weak, which may make a smile look more like a snarl.Difficulty speaking or swallowing, you might also have trouble pronouncing words or swallowing food.Weakness in the neck or limbs like your arms, legs, or neck may feel weakThe symptoms of MG can sometimes look like other conditions, so it's always important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. People with MG may experience periods when their symptoms get worse (flare-ups) and periods when they get better (remission), but the condition is rarely cured completely.Also Read: Breast Milk Ice Cream Hits The Shelves, But Do Adults Really Need It? How is Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosed? To figure out if you have MG, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. One key way they test for it is by giving you a specific medicine. If your muscle weakness quickly gets a lot better after taking the medicine, it's a strong sign that you have MG. Doctors might also use other tests. They can do blood tests to look for certain antibodies that are common in people with MG. They might also use nerve and muscle tests to see how your nerves are sending signals to your muscles and to measure your muscle's electrical activity. Treatment and Management of Myasthenia Gravis While there's no cure for MG, the symptoms can be controlled. The main goal of treatment is to make your muscles stronger and prevent problems with breathing and swallowing. Most people with MG can live normal or close-to-normal lives with the right care. Treatment often includes medicine, such as drugs that control the immune system or help your muscles work better. Sometimes, a doctor may suggest surgery to remove the thymus gland, which can help reduce symptoms for many people. Other treatments, like plasmapheresis, can be used to remove the bad antibodies from your blood. Can You Prevent Myasthenia Gravis? To help prevent a myasthenia crisis, you should always take your medicines exactly as prescribed. It can also help to take your medicine 30 to 45 minutes before meals to prevent food from getting into your lungs. Try to avoid getting sick by staying away from people with colds or the flu, and make sure you get proper nutrition, rest, and manage your stress. It is also very important to always tell your doctors about your MG diagnosis and the medicines you are taking before they prescribe you anything new. Some medicines can interfere with your condition or your treatment. The most serious complication of MG is a myasthenia crisis. This is when you have extreme muscle weakness, especially in the muscles you need to breathe. This is a medical emergency and may require help from a breathing machine. Seles, who is 51, said she has learned to live with a "new normal." She sees this challenge as just another "reset" in her life, similar to when she moved to the U.S. as a young teenager or when she was recovering from a stabbing. Her message is one of strength and a reminder to always adjust, just like a tennis player on the court. 

tennis player monica seles opens up about her myasthenia gravis diagnosis

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