Muscle Wasting - Right Arm Only

[Dp1969]

I have been seen by several neurologists and was recently presented with a diagnosis of monomelic motor neuron disease (?) - which as I understand is a syndrome of several conditions.

Here are my symptons:
-severe muscle wasting, weakness & atrophy in right arm and hand (I can't hold a pencil at this point).
-faciculations in right arm only.
-MRI of spine, neck and back were all normal
-slight spinal stenosis (hereditary)
-multiple EMG's have shown normal nerve conduction, etc in other limbs.  (ALS currently eliminated as diagnosis)
-no conduction block in EMG of right arm
-no ganglioside antibodies found in blood test
-elevated/brisk reflexes; however, babinski test was negative
-CPK level is unknown; but I assume it would be high due to muscle wasting

I am 15 years post kidney transplant; creatnine runs about 2.5 with 25% kidney function currently.  I am on rappamune (immunosuppresant) and very low dose prednisone.

Any thoughts on what might be causing this and/or treatment would be helpful.  At this point the neurologist can not provide details regarding if the condition will spread; will it become ALS; will it corect????

please help.

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Thank you for your question. Although without being able to examine you I can not offer you the specific advice on diagnosis and treatment that you need, but I would try to provide you some relevant information about your health concern.

Your symptoms of progressive weakness, muscle wasting, and muscle fasciculations, spasticity could be strongly related with motor neuron disease. In this disease, motor neurons are affected mainly that may affect all voluntary motions. Investigations such as blood tests, EMG/MRI, genetic reasons are extremely important in order to know its progression. Usually, there is no permanent cure but effective rehabilitation program would surely help in providing relief in your symptoms. Hope this helps.

[mikerobinson41]

keep going to different neurologists! your answer IS out there, keep foghting!