Lewis-Sumner syndrome

Disease Overview

Lewis-Sumner syndrome (also known as multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy) is a neurological condition affecting primarily the arms and hands (upper limbs). The symptoms are a result of inflammation of the nerves leading to the upper body and the destruction of the fatty covering that protects the nerves (myelin sheath). Lewis Sumner syndrome is an acquired disorder, and the exact cause of the condition is not known. Lewis Sumner syndrome may be difficult to distinguish from other forms of demyelinating neuropathies, but diagnosis may be possible through nerve conduction studies or a specific type of imaging test, called MRI with T2 STIR.[11984] Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy has been successful in reducing the symptoms of the disease.[11985][11986][11987]

Synonyms

• Multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy
• MADSAM