Acute motor axonal neuropathy
Evidence: Antibody
Names
Acute motor axonal neuropathy
AMAN
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Axonal GBS
Description
Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) is an acute, rare, and variant form of Guillain–Barré syndrome. Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) can be divided into demyelinating and axonal subtypes. The axonal subtype is referred to as AMAN. AMAN is characterized pathologically by motor nerve fiber degeneration of variable severity and by sparing of sensory fibers. Therefore, it is a rapid onset of muscle weakness and loss of reflexes. There is little demyelination or lymphocytic inflammation involved. Potential pathophysiological reasons for this paradox may involve axonal conduction failure triggered by antibody assault without actual axonal loss, and axonal abnormalities restricted to the nerve terminal area.
Patient Groups
Prevalence
US Incidence: 300 - 1,200 cases per year (11/73 cases of GBS cases) [Martinez-Agredano 2016]
Typical Age of onset
Childhood - Age 3
Adult - 35
Symptoms
Numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, and sometimes around the mouth and lips.
Muscle weakness in the legs, arms, and sides of the face
Trouble speaking, chewing, and swallowing
Paralysis in eyes
Back pain
Fatigue
Decreased motility and coordination
Source: WebMD
References
Mayo Clinic
WebMD
PubMed
Science Direct
March 2024 Update by Lauren Young
