Multifocal Motor Neuropathy

Dimberg E L.  Multifocal Motor Neuropathy.  European Neurological Journal, June 2010; 2(1):  89-97

Review Article


Elliot L Dimberg

Affiliation: Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA


ABSTRACT

Multifocal motor neuropathy is a progressive, predominantly distal, upper extremity lower motor neuropathy. It is acquired, immune mediated, and commonly associated with antiganglioside antibodies against GM1. The electrophysiological hallmark is conduction block seen in motor but not sensory nerves. It is ultimately a treatable disease with most patients responding to intravenous immunoglobulin, the treatment of choice. It must be differentiated from motor neuron disease, an untreatable disease, and other immune‐mediated neuropathies because corticosteroids and plasma exchange, commonly used in many autoimmune neurological disorders, are ineffective in multifocal motor neuropathy. This review will explore the clinical, electrophysiological, pathological, and treatment issues related to this disease.

Keywords: multifocal motor neuropathy, conduction block, ganglioside, GM1 antibodies, intravenous immunoglobulin, cyclophosphamide
Correspondence: Elliot L Dimberg, , , 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA. Tel: (1)‐904‐953‐2000; Fax: (1)‐904‐953‐0757; e‐mail: Dimberg.Elliot@mayo.edu