When he was just 18, Charles Leslie gave up a promising hockey career as the result of a debilitating autoimmune disorder that left him barely able to walk or even button his own clothes. Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN) had changed his life forever.
What is Multifocal Motor Neuropathy?
MMN is a rare but progressive muscle disorder that is characterized by a decrease in strength and mobility over time. Common symptoms include muscle wasting, cramping and involuntary contractions. It is often mistaken for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is why a physician’s diagnosis is extremely important. Studies also show the disorder affects men at a rate three times higher than that of women, and most individuals see symptoms before the age of 45.
What are my treatment options?
Believe it or not, some individuals suffering from this disorder require little to no treatment depending on symptoms. For those with more severe cases, treatment often includes intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or immunosuppressive therapy using cyclophosphamide.
While the outlook for patients with MMN may seem unfavorable, there are thousands living, and functioning, despite the disorder. The key to successful management of MMN is surrounding oneself with the appropriate healthcare team, which primarily revolves around finding a trusted neurologist to help guide and monitor throughout all aspects of the disorder and treatment options.
Sources:
HealthLine – Multifocal Motor Neuropathy: http://www.healthline.com/galecontent/multifocal-motor-neuropathy
MultifocalMotorNeuropathy.com: http://www.multifocalmotorneuropathy.com/index.html
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/multifocal_neuropathy/multifocal_neuropathy.htm
Photo Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dimsumdarren/1232995277/