Monica Seles Discloses Diagnosis of Neuromuscular Disorder in Tennis News

Monica Seles, the former tennis star, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a rare neuromuscular chronic disease. This condition affects the immune system, causing antibodies to block the transmission between nerves and muscles, leading to muscle weakness [1][3][5].

The disease's symptoms can vary greatly, but they often include involuntary eyelid closure, difficulty chewing or swallowing, fatigue in the neck, arms, legs, pain, urinary problems, and can worsen with effort or during menstruation [1]. An example of a symptom mentioned by Seles is difficulty drying her hair [2].

While the treatment of myasthenia gravis has made significant progress, there are still situations where the usual medications do not sufficiently reduce symptoms [4]. Seles has decided to partner with Argenx, a Dutch immunology company, to promote their communication campaign on the subject [6].

The current treatment and management strategy for myasthenia gravis involves a combination of medications, possible thymus gland removal surgery, and lifestyle adjustments [1][3][5]. Seles described her experience as a "reset," requiring adjustment analogous to other major life and career challenges [2].

Medications often include acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to improve muscle strength, immunosuppressants to reduce autoimmune activity, and corticosteroids. Newer antibody-based therapies are also used [3][1]. Seles, who is a spokesperson for a pharmaceutical company making such medications, has found relief through these treatments [3].

Thymectomy (thymus gland removal) may help some patients achieve remission or reduce symptoms, especially if they have thymomas or early onset MG [1][5]. Lifestyle modifications are crucial for patients, and athletes like Seles must carefully manage activities to avoid fatigue and muscle overuse [1][3]. This may involve adjusting training intensity and routines, planning rest periods, and adapting daily activities to fluctuating symptom severity [1][3].

Seles emphasized the benefits of moderate physical activity, such as walking or gentle gym, when the disease is stable [7]. She would have liked someone to talk about it before the diagnosis, and she encourages others to seek support and information about the disease [8].

In athletes, managing myasthenia gravis includes balancing physical activity with symptom control to maintain quality of life and function while minimizing exacerbations. This often involves multidisciplinary care including neurologists, physical therapists, and sometimes surgical teams [1][2][3].

In summary, the management strategy is personalized, combining pharmacological treatment, potential surgery, and lifestyle adjustments to control symptoms and preserve function in athletes like Monica Seles with myasthenia gravis [1][2][3][5]. While the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis remains complex, Seles's openness about her experiences can help raise awareness and provide hope for others affected by the disease.

References: [1] Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. (n.d.). Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.myasthenia.org/living-with-mg/treatment [2] Associated Press. (2021, August 12). Monica Seles reveals she has been diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disease. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/tennis/story//id/32128318/monica-seles-reveals-she-diagnosed-rare-neuromuscular-disease [3] Argenx. (2021). Argenx and Monica Seles partner to raise awareness for myasthenia gravis. Retrieved from https://www.argenx.com/news-and-media/press-releases/argenx-and-monica-seles-partner-to-raise-awareness-for-myasthenia-gravis [4] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2017, January 16). Myasthenia Gravis Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Myasthenia-Gravis-Fact-Sheet [5] Mayo Clinic. (2020, December 17). Myasthenia gravis. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myasthenia-gravis/symptoms-causes/syc-20372383 [6] Argenx. (2021). Argenx and Monica Seles partner to raise awareness for myasthenia gravis. Retrieved from https://www.argenx.com/news-and-media/press-releases/argenx-and-monica-seles-partner-to-raise-awareness-for-myasthenia-gravis [7] Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. (n.d.). Living with MG. Retrieved from https://www.myasthenia.org/living-with-mg [8] Seles, M. (2021, August 12). Monica Seles reveals she's been diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disease called myasthenia gravis. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/tennis/story//id/32128318/monica-seles-reveals-she-diagnosed-rare-neuromuscular-disease