From the Research
Definition and Characteristics of Morvan Syndrome
- Morvan syndrome (MoS) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by peripherally innervated hyperexcitability, autonomic disturbances, and encephalopathic encephalopathy 1.
- The syndrome is marked by neuromyotonia, myotonia, neuropathic pain, hyperhidrosis, severe constipation, and severe sleep disturbances accompanied by dream reenactments, agrypnia agitation, and delusions 1.
- It is often associated with autoantibodies to voltage-gated and potassium channel complexes, such as anti-contactin-associated protein-like 2 (Caspr2) antibody 1, 2, 3.
Clinical Manifestations
- Patients with Morvan syndrome may present with a range of symptoms, including confusion, myokymia, hyperhidrosis, epileptic seizures, tachycardia, agitation, hypokalemia, and hyponatremia 2.
- Electromyography and neurotransmission examination results may show concordance with peripheral nerve hyperreactivity 2.
- Central nervous system dysfunction, including neuropsychiatric features, may also be present 4, 3.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis of Morvan syndrome can be challenging, but the presence of anti-Caspr2 antibodies or other autoantibodies can aid in diagnosis 1, 2, 3.
- Treatment options may include immunologic therapies, such as corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, plasma exchanges, and immunomodulatory therapy 1, 3.
- Alternative and complementary medicine, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), may also be effective in managing symptoms and improving quality of life 1.