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Opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome

Evidence: Immune-mediated

Names

Opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (OMS)
Kinsbourne syndrome
Ataxo-opso-myoclonus syndrome
Opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome
Dancing eye-dancing feet syndrome
Dancing eye syndrome 
OMA syndrome
Paraneoplastic opsoclonus-myoclonus
Paraneoplastic opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome
POMA syndrome

Description

Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the nervous system. Inflammation in the neurological system causes this disorder. OMS typically occurs with tumors (neuroblastomas) or after a viral or bacterial infection. The immune reaction to the tumor or infection makes the body attack the nervous system. In some cases, the cause is unknown.

Bloggers

None

Prevalence

US Incidence: 20-30 per year [Pranzatelli 2017]

Typical Age of onset

The onset is usually abrupt and severe in infancy or childhood. Typically, this disorder occurs in children around 18 months old. OMS can become chronic and it can affect adults.

Symptoms

  • Fast, irregular eye movements (opsoclonus)

  • Quick muscle jerks or spasms (myoclonus)

  • Uncoordinated movement and difficulty with walking and standing (ataxia)

  • Unsteady, trembling gait

  • Irritability

  • Sleep disturbance

  • Rage attacks

  • Children may appear to be nervous, irritable, or lethargic while adults may have mental clouding (encephalopathy)

  • Loss of muscle tone