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Positive muscle phenomena--diagnosis, pathogenesis and associated disorders
Hans G Kortman1, Jan H Veldink, Gea Drost
1Department of Neurology, Center for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Nature Reviews. Neurology
|January 25, 2012
Summary
Positive muscle phenomena, like spontaneous muscle hyperactivity, are often overlooked despite their prevalence in various diseases. This review clarifies their diagnosis, mechanisms, and offers an algorithm for differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Muscle Physiology
Background:
- Positive muscle phenomena result from spontaneous muscle hyperactivity originating in motor neurons or muscles.
- These phenomena are common in neurological and non-neurological diseases but often overlooked.
- Limited clinical and scientific data hinder diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical characteristics of positive muscle phenomena.
- To discuss diagnostic approaches, genetic underpinnings, and pathophysiological mechanisms.
- To provide an algorithm for discriminating between different positive muscle phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical characteristics.
- Analysis of genetic and pathophysiological data.
- Development of a diagnostic algorithm.
Main Results:
- Detailed review of various positive muscle phenomena.
- Explanation of underlying genetic and pathophysiological mechanisms.
- Presentation of a novel diagnostic algorithm.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis and understanding of positive muscle phenomena are crucial.
- The provided algorithm aids in differentiating these conditions.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate these often-missed conditions.
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