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  Multifocal Motor Neuropathy 
  
Reviewed  08-08-2001  

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What is Multifocal Motor Neuropathy?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?

Organizations

What is Multifocal Motor Neuropathy?
Multifocal motor neuropathy is a progressive muscle disorder characterized by asymmetrical muscle weakness. Symptoms, which begin in the upper extremities (arms and hands), may include muscle weakness, atrophy, and cramping. Fasciculations (involuntary contractions or twitching of a group of muscles) may also occur. The disorder may be mistaken for other, far more serious, disorders. Early diagnosis allows patients to begin recovery quickly.

Is there any treatment?
Treatment for multifocal motor neuropathy varies. Some individuals experience only mild, modest symptoms and require no treatment. For others, treatment generally consists of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or cyclophosphamide.

What is the prognosis?
Improvement in muscle strength usually beings within three to six weeks after treatment is started. Most patients who receive treatment early experience little, if any, disability. However, there is evidence of slow progression over many years.

What research is being done?
The NINDS supports a broad range of research on neuromuscular disorders with the goal of finding ways to prevent, treat, and, ultimately, cure them.

Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

 Organizations

American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA)
P.O. Box 850
Rocklin, CA 95677-0850
ACPA@pacbell.net
http://www.theacpa.org
Tel: 916-632-0922 800-533-3231
Fax: 916-632-3208

National Chronic Pain Outreach Association (NCPOA)
P.O. Box 274
Millboro, VA 24460
ncpoa@cfw.com
http://www.chronicpain.org
Tel: 540-862-9437
Fax: 540-862-9485


NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.


Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892




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