Monica Seles Reveals Incurable Disease

Monica Seles, the tennis champion, has publicly disclosed her struggle with myasthenia gravis, a chronic neuromuscular disease.

What is Myasthenia Gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that causes weakness in voluntary muscles, according to Dr. Earnest Lee Murray, a board-certified neurologist.

The disease affects the connection between nerves and muscles, leading to symptoms such as double vision, droopiness of the eyelids, and difficulty walking, breathing, and swallowing.

Monica Seles' journey with myasthenia gravis has been challenging, with her feeling isolated and defeated as many activities she enjoyed were no longer physically possible.

How Does it Affect Patients?

Patients with myasthenia gravis often experience fluctuating symptoms throughout the day, with some experiencing mild eye symptoms that can progress to more severe symptoms over time.

Heat, physical exertion, and certain health conditions can exacerbate symptoms, making it essential for patients to pace themselves and inform their physicians about their condition.

Managing the Disease

Doctors typically manage myasthenia gravis through medication, such as pyridostigmine, which can temporarily reduce muscle weakness, and immune-suppressing medications that calm the immune system.

Newer targeted treatments have shown promise in managing the disease with fewer side effects, according to Dr. Murray.

Monica Seles has partnered with argenx to raise awareness and support for those affected by myasthenia gravis, aiming to connect patients with available tools and resources.

The collaboration seeks to educate people about the disease and its effects, helping patients like Monica Seles live a fairly normal life despite the challenges posed by myasthenia gravis.