Delayed radiation-induced bulbar palsy mimicking ALS.

Abstract

We describe a patient presenting with progressive bulbar dysfunction and spasticity that clinically mimicked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Electromyography, however, showed no evidence of denervation and revealed a rare combination of peripheral and central myokymia. We feel that this pattern of myokymia represented a marker of neural injury from remote radiation therapy. Nervous system disorders resulting from therapeutic radiation are described, and potential pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying myokymia are discussed.

• Authors: S A Glenn, M A Ross
• Journal: Muscle & nerve (Muscle Nerve) Vol. 23 Issue 5 Pg. 814-7 (May 2000) ISSN: 0148-639X [Print] United States
• PMID: 10797408 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Topics

• Bulbar Palsy, Progressive (diagnosis, etiology)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Electromyography
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Motor Neuron Disease (diagnosis)
• Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms (radiotherapy)
• Radiation Injuries (etiology)
• Radiotherapy (adverse effects)