Living with Multifocal motor neuropathy
A nerve condition in adults that slowly weakens the hands and arms or legs, thought to involve the immune system.
Understanding Multifocal motor neuropathy
Nerve damage begins in adulthood and slowly gets worse. One side of the body may be more affected than the other. Symptoms can include weakness in the hands and lower arms, cramping, twitching, wrist drop or foot drop, and muscle wasting. It is thought to be due to an abnormal immune response. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, an exam, and specific lab tests.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Weakness in the hands and lower arms
- Muscle cramps and spasms
- Muscle twitching
- Weak wrist and finger extension
- Reduced tendon reflexes
- Muscle weakness that slowly worsens
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
GBS/CIDP Foundation International and The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: GBS/CIDP Foundation International, The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with GBS/CIDP Foundation International and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says it is thought to be due to an abnormal immune response, but the underlying cause is not clear.
Also known as: mmn; mmn - motor neuropathy with multiple conduction block; mmncb; motor neuropathy with multiple conduction block; multifocal motor neuropathy with conduction block
Patient organizations
- GBS/CIDP Foundation InternationalMultifocal motor neuropathy · United States
- The Foundation for Peripheral NeuropathyPeripheral neuropathy · United States
- Neuropathy Action FoundationPeripheral neuropathy · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Multifocal motor neuropathy.
Explore research for Multifocal motor neuropathy
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