Monica Seles, a tennis legend, has opened up about her battle with myasthenia gravis (MG), a neuromuscular autoimmune disease she was diagnosed with three years ago. In an interview, she emphasized the importance of raising awareness about MG, which affects about 20 out of 100,000 people globally, with an estimated 60,000 cases in the US.
Seles shared that coming to terms with her diagnosis was challenging, as it significantly impacts her daily life. Symptoms like double vision and muscle weakness made her seek medical help, leading to her referral to a neurologist. MG can cause muscle fatigue, particularly in the face, arms, legs, and overall bodily function, with symptoms worsening during activity and improving with rest.
The autoimmune nature of MG involves the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s cells, though the exact cause remains unknown. While it can occur at any age, it is more common in women under 40 and men over 60. Treatment options exist but do not cure the disease; they include medication, surgery, and lifestyle adjustments. Some patients may experience temporary or permanent remission of symptoms.
Source link
