Description

Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) is an acute, rare, and variant form of Guillain–Barré syndrome. Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) can be divided into demyelinating and axonal subtypes. The axonal subtype is referred to as AMAN. AMAN is characterized pathologically by motor nerve fiber degeneration of variable severity and by sparing of sensory fibers. Therefore, it is a rapid onset of muscle weakness and loss of reflexes. There is little demyelination or lymphocytic inflammation involved. Potential pathophysiological reasons for this paradox may involve axonal conduction failure triggered by antibody assault without actual axonal loss, and axonal abnormalities restricted to the nerve terminal area.

Prevalence

US Incidence: 300 - 1,200 cases per year (11/73 cases of GBS cases) [Martinez-Agredano 2016]

Typical Age of onset

Childhood - Age 3
Adult - 35

Symptoms

• Numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, and sometimes around the mouth and lips.

• Muscle weakness in the legs, arms, and sides of the face

• Trouble speaking, chewing, and swallowing

• Paralysis in eyes

• Back pain

• Fatigue 

• Decreased motility and coordination

Source: WebMD

Resources

Link to Clinical Trials
 

Link to Scientific Publications

References

Mayo Clinic
WebMD
PubMed
Science Direct

March 2024 Update by Lauren Young