Multifocal motor neuropathy is a progressive muscle disorder characterized by muscle weakness in the hands, with differences from one side of the body to the other in the specific muscles involved. It affects men much more than women. Symptoms also include muscle wasting, cramping, and involuntary contractions or twitching of the leg muscles. The disorder is sometimes mistaken for amyotrophic laterial sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease) but unlike ALS, it is treatable. An early and accurate diagnosis allows patients to recover quickly. Treatment for multifocal motor neuropathy varies. Some individuals experience only mild, modest symptoms and require no treatment. For others, treatment generally consists of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or immunosuppressive therapy with cyclophosphamide. Improvement in muscle strength usually begins within 3 to 6 weeks after treatment is started. Most patients who receive treatment early experience little, if any, disability. However, there is evidence of slow progression over many years. The NINDS supports a broad range of research on neuromuscular disorders with the goal of finding ways to prevent, treat, and, ultimately, cure them. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?CMD=search&term=multifocal+motor+neuropathy+AND+human[mh]+AND+english[la]&db=PubMed&orig_db=PubMed&filters=on&pmfilter_EDatLimit=5+Years 1 http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term= /disorders/multifocal_neuropathy/pubs_multifocal_neuropathy.htm /disorders/multifocal_neuropathy/xml_multifocal_neuropathy.xml xml_multifocal_neuropathy.xml V280 Neuropathy Association

60 East 42nd Street

Suite 942 New York NY 10165-0999 info@neuropathy.org http://www.neuropathy.org 888-PN-FACTS (888-763-2287) 212-692-0668 The Neuropathy Association is the leading national nonprofit organization providing peripheral neuropathy patient support and education, advocating for patients' interests, and promoting critical research. We have 50,000 members and supporters, and a nationwide network of 135 support groups and 12 Neuropathy Centers of Excellence at prominent medical institutions. V181 American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA)

P.O. Box 850

Rocklin CA 95677-0850 ACPA@theacpa.org http://www.theacpa.org 916-632-0922 800-533-3231 916-652-8190 Provides self-help coping skills and peer support to people with chronic pain. Sponsors local support groups throughout the U.S. and provides assistance in starting and maintaining support groups.