`

Neuromyotonia

Evidence: Antibody

Names

Neuromyotonia
NMT
Issacs' syndrome
Isaacs-Mertens syndrome
Continuous muscle fiber activity syndrome
Quantal squander syndrome

Description

Neuromyotonia (also known as Issacs' syndrome) is a rare, autoimmune disorder in which hyperactive nerves cause muscles to be over-activated. This hyperactivity results in muscle stiffness, twitching, cramping, increased sweating, and delayed muscle relaxation, especially in the limbs and trunk. These symptoms can occur anytime, even when asleep or under anaesthesia. Weakened reflexes and muscle pain is also common.  There is currently no cure, but treatment may manage symptoms.

Patient Groups

Facebook Group: Isaac’s Syndrome

Bloggers

None found.

Prevalence

Unknown, but extremely rare (fewer than 1000 cases in the US).

Typical Age of onset

Typically, neuromyotonia can occur between age 15 to 60 but most patient show symptoms before age 40. It affects males and females but is slightly more common among men.
Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH)

Symptoms

  • Muscle twitching (mostly for limb and trunk muscles)

  • Muscle stiffness

  • Cramping

  • Spasms of the hands and feet

  • Excessive sweating

  • Delayed muscle relaxation after strong contraction (pseudo myotonia)

  • Weakened reflexes

  • Muscle pain

  • Racing heart

  • Constipation

  • Personality change

  • Insomnia

  • Psychosis