IVIg for Lower Motor Neuron Syndromes

Routine IVIg is not warranted in progressive lower motor neuron syndromes without conduction block.

Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) is a rare, immune-mediated, pure lower motor neuron (LMN) disorder that typically manifests initially with distal upper-extremity weakness and atrophy and may be confused clinically with progressive muscular atrophy (PMA). The electrophysiologic hallmark of MMN is the presence of conduction block at sites not prone to compression. A high proportion of patients with MMN also have high-titer anti-GM1 immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies. Neurologists have long recognized that patients with purely LMN syndromes should undergo a careful evaluation for conduction block and anti-GM1 antibodies to diagnose MMN, an eminently treatable disorder, before settling on a diagnosis of PMA. Whether all patients with progressi…

Reviewing Author

Michael Benatar, MD, MS, PhD

Disclosures

Grant / Research supportNIH NeuroBioBank; ALS Association; NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; NIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences; FDA; Department of Defense

Editorial boardsCochrane Collaboration

Leadership positions in professional societiesMuscle Study Group Executive Committee

Michael Benatar, MD, MS, PhD

Disclosures

Editorial boardsCochrane Collaboration

Leadership positions in professional societiesMuscle Study Group Executive Committee

IVIg for Lower Motor Neuron Syndromes

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Reviewing Author