REVERSIBLE MOTOR-NEURON DISEASE

We investigated a 69-year-old male with a clinical syndrome resembling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis characterized by fasciculation, wasting of the limb muscles and increased deep tendon reflexes in the lower l imbs. Electromyographic (EMG) studies showed abundant positive sharp w aves and fibrillation potentials with decreased recruitment in the lim bs and paraspinal muscles. The patient recovered almost completely in approximately 1. 5 years, and follow-up EMG studies showed no positive sharp waves or fibrillation potentials in the limb muscles except for some polyphasic motor units in the bilateral intrinsic hand muscles. No known systemic disease, malignancy or heavy metal intoxication was found during the course of his illness. So far, there are only few cas es reported with spontaneous remission of motor neuron disease; howeve r, the possibility should always be considered.