Monica Seles Diagnosed with Chronic Neuromuscular Disease
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Tennis legend Monica seles has publicly disclosed her diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG), a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease, offering a powerful message of awareness and resilience. the nine-time Grand Slam champion, 51, revealed she first noticed symptoms three years ago, sparking a journey of adaptation and a renewed outlook on life’s challenges.
Understanding Myasthenia Gravis: Symptoms and Impact
Myasthenia gravis is a condition that weakens voluntary muscles, impacting daily activities.The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines it as a “chronic neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the voluntary muscles.” While it most commonly affects young adult women under 40 and older men over 60, MG can occur at any age.
Seles initially experienced symptoms while casually playing tennis, noticing difficulty hitting the ball and experiencing double vision. Simple tasks, like styling her hair, became unexpectedly challenging. “I woudl be playing with some kids or family members, and I would miss a ball. I was like, ‘Yeah, I see two balls,'” Seles told the Associated Press. “These are obviously symptoms that you can’t ignore.”
Common symptoms of myasthenia gravis include:
Muscle Weakness: Fluctuating weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
Double Vision: Difficulty focusing or seeing clearly.
Drooping Eyelids: Ptosis,or drooping of one or both eyelids. Difficulty swallowing: Dysphagia, making it hard to eat or drink.
Slurred Speech: Dysarthria, affecting the clarity of spoken words.
Fatigue: Persistent and debilitating tiredness.
The disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the connection between nerves and muscles, preventing nerve impulses from effectively stimulating muscle contraction. Diagnosis often involves a neurological examination, blood tests, and possibly an electromyography (EMG) test.
Seles’s Journey: From Initial Shock to “New Normal”
Seles admitted she had never heard of myasthenia gravis before her diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of increased awareness. “When I got diagnosed, I was like, ‘What?!'” she said.”So this is where – I can’t emphasize enough – I wish I had somebody like me speak up about it.”
The diagnosis prompted a period of adjustment,which Seles frames as another “reset” in a life marked by meaningful transitions. She draws parallels to earlier pivotal moments: immigrating to the United states as a 13-year-old from Yugoslavia, navigating the pressures of sudden fame and success as a teenage tennis prodigy, and overcoming the trauma of being stabbed on court in 1993.
“I had to, in tennis terms, I guess, reset – hard reset – a few times,” Seles explained. “And then, really, being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis: another reset. But one thing, as I tell kids that I mentor: ‘You’ve got to always adjust. That ball is bouncing, and you’ve just got to adjust.’ And that’s what I’m doing now.”
Raising Awareness and Finding Strength in Adaptation
By sharing her story, Seles hopes to empower others facing similar health challenges and to encourage open conversations about autoimmune diseases. Her decision to speak out underscores the importance of early diagnosis and access to support for individuals living with MG.
While living with myasthenia gravis presents ongoing challenges, Seles emphasizes the importance of adapting and finding a “new normal.” Her story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of self-advocacy, and the enduring spirit of a champion both on and off the court.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.