Neuromyotonia
Other Names: Isaac's Syndrome, Continuous Muscles
Fiber Activity Syndrome, Quantal Squander Syndrome
Neuromyotonia is a rare neuromuscular autoimmune
disorder that causes the peripheral nerves (the nerves
that control muscle fibers) ton fire continuously
causing muscle contractions, twitches, spasms, and
the inability for the muscles to relax. The symptoms
can occur anytime, even during sleep.
Some of the initial symptoms of Neuromyotonia might
include muscle stiffness in the arms, legs and torso
of the the body, and the muscles of the throat may
also be affected.
There are other causes of Neuromyotonia such as a
hereditary form and an acquired form. In Autoimmune
form, the condition is usually caused when potassium
channel antibodies are attacked. Neuromyotonia has
also been associated with other autoimmune's such
as Myasthenia Gravis.
Symptoms:
Excessive sweating
Involuntary contractions of the eyelid muscles
Muscle cramping
Diagnosis:
Diagnosing Neuromyotonia is very difficult and depends
mostly on family medical history, symptom history
and a process of eliminating any other disorders that
could be causing the disorder.
Treatment:
There is no cure for Neuromyotonia, but anti-convulsive
medications such as phenytoin and carbamazepine are
usually used to relieve the symptoms of muscle stiffness,
spasms, twitches and pain. For patients suffering
from the acquired form, plasma exchange has found
to give temporary relief as well.
Prognosis:
There is no cure, and the prognosis can vary individually
depending on the type of Neuromyotonia (hereditary,
acquired or autoimmune). If anticonvulsant are successful,
most patients do well with some discomfort and lifestyle
limitations, but otherwise do well with near-normal
daily activities.
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