brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Isaacs Syndrome
Introduction
Isaacs syndrome involves overactivity of the nerves that stimulate muscle fibers. It causes progressive muscle stiffness, continuous muscle quivering and twitching, and cramping. In people with Isaacs syndrome, muscles, particularly those in the arms and legs, continually quiver and twitch, moving like a bag of worms, and often become progressively stiffer. Doctors diagnose Isaacs syndrome based on symptoms and results of electromyography and nerve conduction studies. The antiseizure drugscarbamazepineorphenytoincan relieve symptoms, and some people benefit from immune globulin or plasma exchange. (See also Overview of the Peripheral Nervous System .) Isaacs syndrome is rare. It appears to start in the Overview of the Peripheral Nervous System and to be caused by an antibody that attacks a specific part of the cell membrane. Isaacs syndrome may occur in people with other disorders, such as cancer, Myasthenia Gravis , thymomas (tumors of the thymus gland), Muscles, particularly those in the arms and legs, continually quiver and twitch, moving like a bag of worms. This symptom is called myokymia. Spasms and cramps may intermittently occur in the hands and feet. Muscles often become progressively stiffer and take a long time to relax after they have been contracted. Sweating may be increased. of Isaacs syndrome is based on symptoms and results of Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies , which show characteristic abnormalities. 