Neuropediatrics 2005; 36(4): 260-264
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-865774
Short Communication

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Acute Motor and Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN) in a 15-Year-Old Boy Presenting with Severe Pain and Distal Muscle Weakness

K. M. Rostásy1 , P. Huppke1 , B. Beckers1 , K. Brockmann1 , V. Degenhardt2 , B. Wesche2 , F. König3 , J. Gärtner1
  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
  • 2Department of Pediatrics, Städtisches Krankenhaus Hildesheim, Germany
  • 3Department of Neuropathology, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: February 20, 2005

Accepted after Revision: May 19, 2005

Publication Date:
24 August 2005 (online)

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Abstract

Acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) is a recently described subtype of Guillain-Barré syndrome characterized by acute onset of distal weakness, loss of deep tendon reflexes and sensory symptoms. Electrophysiological studies show mildly reduced nerve conduction velocities combined with a marked reduction of muscle action and sensory nerve action potentials. Here, we report a 15-year-old boy who suffered from severe burning and knife-like pain that increased over a period of three months and resulted in a disrupted sleep pattern and suicidal intentions as well as marked loss of weight. In addition, he developed muscle weakness in his hands and feet. Neurophysiological and histopathological studies revealed AMSAN. Marked improvement of his condition was achieved by treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins, high-dose methylprednisolone, and a combination of gabapentin, antidepressants, and an oral morphine.

References

Kevin Rostásy

Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology
Georg-August University Göttingen

Robert-Koch-Straße 40

37075 Göttingen

Germany

Email: Krostasy@excite.com