Information about Isaacs' Syndrome

  I would like to know what the early symptoms of Isaacs' are.  Are bulbar symptoms a common complaint?  How does this disease progress and what are the common treatmeants and drugs?  What tests are used to diagnose?  Thank you in advance.
Isaacs Syndrome is excessive and spontaneous activity of a nerve fiber.  Twiching, spasms, and rippling of muscles (Myokyemia) are evident, the latter being the main clinical sign. There is also delayed relaxation after muscle contraction.  Generalized muscle stiffness is also a symptom.  Complaints of muscle aches are common, but severe muscle pains is not common.  Any muscle group may be affected.  Stiffness and slowness of movement may eventually make walking difficult, in extreme cases all voluntary activity is blocked.  EMG may help in the diagnosis (show myokymia).  The syndrome arises in childhood or adult life either in association with an peripheral neuropathy  or an inherited coordination problem that may respond to acetazolamide, or remit spontaneously.  Treatment with dilantin or tegretol may abolisth continuous muscle activity. Plasma exchange may help if intractible. If you are interested in getting an evaluation at CCF, call 1-800-CCF-CARE. Good Luck.