_ERN-NMD DESEASES_
Versione in italiano
WHAT IS
Lewis Sumner syndrome is a rare disease that affects the nerves, which carry electrical pulses to the muscles and allow us to sense stimuli like touch and temperature. The damage is caused by an aberrant activation of our own immune system against myelin proteins, a sheath that surrounds the nerves. It is an acquired disease, and no genetic predisposing factor is known.
HOW DO WE RECOGNIZE IT
The onset is usually in adult age. Symptoms include weakness, numbness, loss of sensitivity and pain to the upper limbs, but the involvement of the lower limbs can occur as well. Typically, the symptoms are asymmetric. The disease course is slowly progressive or stepwise. During the visit, the neurologist might find muscle strength impairment, decreased or absent tendon reflexes in the involved districts. Electromyography is pivotal for the diagnosis and shows typical findings. Lumbar puncture and MRI with study of the lumbar plexus may help in the diagnosis.
HOW DO WE TREAT IT
Intravenous immune globulines (IVIg) are the first line treatment, with therapeutical success reported in 80% of cases. A considerable number of patients eventually stabilizes without treatment.
WHAT DO WE DO IN OSPEDALE SAN RAFFAELE
Through a detailed neurological and neurophysiological evaluation, we can get a precise diagnosis and establish the appropriate treatment.
REFERRING DOCTORS for this deseaseat Ospedale San Raffaele
