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In people with Isaacs syndrome, muscles, particularly those in the arms and legs, continually quiver and twitch, moving like a bag of worms, and often become progressively stiffer.
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Doctors diagnose Isaacs syndrome based on symptoms and results of electromyography and nerve conduction studies.
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The antiseizure drugs carbamazepine or phenytoin can relieve symptoms, and some people benefit from immune globulin or plasma exchange.
(See also Overview of the Peripheral Nervous System.)
Isaacs syndrome is rare. It appears to start in the peripheral nerves and to be caused by an antibody that attacks a specific part of the cell membrane.
Isaacs syndrome may occur in people with other disorders, such as cancer, myasthenia gravis, thymomas (tumors of the thymus gland), Hashimoto thyroiditis, vitamin B12 deficiency, celiac disease, and connective tissue disorders. It can also be inherited.
Muscles, particularly those in the arms and legs, continually quiver and twitch, moving like a bag of worms. This symptom is called myokymia. Spasms and cramps may intermittently occur in the hands and feet. Muscles often become progressively stiffer and take a long time to relax after they have been contracted. Sweating may be increased.
The diagnosis of Isaacs syndrome is based on symptoms and results of electromyography and nerve conductions studies, which show characteristic abnormalities.
Treatment
Symptoms of Isaacs syndrome can be relieved by antiseizure drugs such as carbamazepine or phenytoin.
People may also benefit from immune globulin (a solution containing many different antibodies collected from a group of donors), given intravenously, or plasma exchange (filtering of toxic substances, including abnormal antibodies, from the blood).
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
immune globulin |
Gammagard S/D |
carbamazepine |
TEGRETOL |
phenytoin |
DILANTIN |
