Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Researchers at Shiga University, Department of Medicine target neuropathy

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Library Library Home This article was published in Pain & Central Nervous System Week, which you can subscribe to online.

"They showed the typical clinical manifestations and were compatible with HMSN-P. Okinawa Prefecture has been a site of emigration to other countries, mainly in South America, since 1908. Although this is the first reported familial case of HMSN-P occurring outside Japan, it is estimated that there are 19 or 20 individuals with HMSN-P among these emigrants. Since HMSN-P might be misdiagnosed as familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or spinal muscular atrophy, neurologists in countries where individuals of Okinawan extraction reside should be aware of this hereditary neuropathy," wrote K. Maeda and colleagues, Shiga University, Department of Medicine.

The researchers concluded: "HMSN-P should no longer be regarded as an endemic condition limited to Okinawa."

Maeda and colleagues published their study in Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery (Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (proximal dominant form, HMSN-P) among Brazilians of Japanese ancestry. Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery, 2007;109(9):830-2).

For additional information, contact K. Maeda, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga University of Medical Science, Dept. of Medicine, Seta-Tsukinowa, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan.

Publisher contact information for the journal Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery is: Elsevier Science BV, PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Keywords: Japan, Otsu, Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy, Neurology, Neuropathy, Neurosurgery.

This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.