Understanding MMN Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN) Patient Care Series What is Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN)? What causes MMN? How is MMN diagnosed? The exact cause of MMN is not well understood, MMN is diagnosed through an extensive physical Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN) is a rare but it is thought to be an autoimmune disease examination by a specialist, usually a neurologist. muscle disorder that causes the muscles in a that causes neuropathy, or nerve damage. Physical exams may uncover weakness, person’s body to become increasingly weaker over time. The symptoms of MMN typically develop slowly, and muscle weakness may progressively Signals from a person’s brain travel through nerves to direct muscle movement. Nerves are protected decreased muscle size and tone, abnormal reflexes and/or muscle twitching. by a myelin sheath, which is a protective coating. Electromyography (EMG) tests may also be When a person’s immune system mistakenly performed. EMG tests measure the electrical In people with MMN, the immune system attacks attacks the nerves, the protective coating is activity in a person’s muscles to determine if the nerves that control muscle movement, injured or destroyed, which causes nerves to react their nerves are functioning properly. mistaking them for harmful infections like bacteria slowly or become faulty, therefore weakening the and viruses. As the nerves deteriorate, muscles muscles they control. worsen over the course of months or years. become weaker. Often, MMN is mistaken for Amyotrophic Lateral What are the symptoms of MMN? Certain blood tests may also identify a specific type of immune cell that attacks the nerves. What is the prognosis for a person with MMN? Sclerosis (ALS), a more common disorder also MMN causes muscle weakness, which usually begins known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Unlike ALS, MMN in the hands and becomes progressively worse. can be treated and effectively managed, so it is Leg and foot weakness may follow. In some cases, Unlike ALS, MMN can be effectively treated. important to correctly diagnose the problem. weakness develops in only one side of the body. If a person with MMN is correctly diagnosed Who is affected by MMN? MMN is very rare, affecting only around 3,000 to 6,000 people in the US. Anyone can develop MMN, but most patients develop symptoms between the ages of 30 and 50, and men are three times more likely to be affected than women. Other symptoms may include: • • • • • • Muscle wasting, in which muscles start to shrink Muscle cramps Involuntary twitching and spasms Numbness and tingling Trouble getting up from a seated position Difficulty climbing steps in the early stages of nerve damage, treatment may reduce symptoms and prevent permanent disability. Muscle strength usually gets better within 3 to 6 weeks of treatment, but evidence suggests that some patients may continue to experience slow, progressive muscle weakness over many years. How is MMN treated? How do I learn more? MMN is normally treated with Immune Globulin Contact your doctor or nurse to discuss specific (IgG) or occasionally drugs that suppress the questions about IVIg or your personal treatment. immune system (immunosuppressive therapy). Steroids and plasmapheresis (blood filtering procedure) were previously used, but are no longer considered effective options for MMN. In some cases where symptoms are very mild, no treatment may be necessary. What is Immune Globulin (IgG)? For additional information, please access the following: National Institutes of Health (NIH) www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders American Academy of Neurology (AAN) patients.aan.com AxelaCare Health Solutions www.axelacare.com Immune Globulin (IgG) is made of purified antibodies, which are proteins made by the immune system to defend the body against infection. Since the immune systems in people All information, treatment descriptions and links are intended for educational purposes only. Talk to your doctor before making any lifestyle or treatment changes. with MMN can’t make enough of the molecules that fight infection, they take IgG to supplement their low or missing antibodies. IgG antibodies are thought to block the person’s malfunctioning immune processes to prevent nerve damage. IVIg is IgG administered intravenously (through the vein), usually by a specially trained nurse at a hospital, specialized infusion suite or in the comfort of the patient’s home. MMN 1.4
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