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Rigidity and painful muscle spasms in a patient with probable myelitis

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Abstract

We describe a case of continuous motor unit potential (MUP) activity of central origin (unlike stiff man syndrome and progressive encephalomyelitis) characterized clinically by rigidity, painful muscle spasms, abnormal postures and spinal myoclonus. The topography of the manifestations, the subacute and benign course, the presence of stable sequels 2 years after onset and a searching process of differential diagnosis lead us to attribute the condition to an inflammation of the cord, which makes the case of particular clinical interest.

Sommario

Descriviamo un caso con attività continua di potenziali di unità motoria (MUP) di origine centrale (diverso dalla sindrome dell'uomo rigido e della encefalomieliti progressive) clinicamente espresse da rigidità, spasmi muscolari dolorosi, posture abnormi e mioclono spinale. La topografia delle manifestazioni, il decorso subacuto e benigno, la presenza di esiti stabilizzati a distanza di due anni e un'attenta disamina differenziale, ci fanno ritenere l'affezione secondaria a un fatto infiammatorio midollare, il che rende il caso di particolare interesse clinico.

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Cannas, A., Tacconi, P., Pinna, L. et al. Rigidity and painful muscle spasms in a patient with probable myelitis. Ital J Neuro Sci 12, 587–591 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02336956

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02336956

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