Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN) Diagnosis
It's important to talk to your doctor right away if you think you might have MMN. Understanding the diagnostic process can help you prepare for this conversation.
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Where to start if you think it's MMN
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MMN
Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN)
(how to say it: muhl-tee-FOE-kuhl MOE-tur nur-AH-puh-thee)
Definition:
A rare medical disorder in which nerves that control muscles are attacked by the body's immune system.
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diagnosis is important to getting an effective management plan in place. Because it is rare and sometimes looks like other conditions, it may take time to confirm it's MMN.
Be ready to talk about MMN with your doctor by knowing your symptoms and learning about the condition. There are resources that can help you and your doctor connect the dots:
Prepare for your doctor's visit by keeping track of your symptoms before your appointment.
How is MMN diagnosed?
Because it's a rare disease, not all doctors are familiar with MMN. So, it helps to know about the diagnostic process and how to talk about MMN with your doctors.
Doctors who specialize in
neurological
Neurological
(how to say it: noo-ruh-LAA-jih-kuhl)
Definition:
Having to do with the nervous system or nerves.
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disorders are usually needed to make an MMN diagnosis. Your MMN healthcare team may include a doctor called a neurologist.
The American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine website may be able to help you find a doctor who specializes in neurological disorders like MMN.
How can a doctor know if it may be MMN?
How can a doctor know if it may be MMN?
Muscle weakness that usually starts out in one hand (eg, difficulty gripping or holding objects)
One side of the body is more affected than the other side
(
asymmetric
Asymmetric
(how to say it: ay-suh-MEH-truhk)
Definition:
Lack or absence of symmetry; not the same on both sides. MMN symptoms are considered asymmetric because they occur on one side of the body more than the other side.
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)
Tendon reflexes may be brisk, but
spasticity
Spasticity
(how to say it: spah-STISS-uh-tee)
Definition:
Having to do with an involuntary or abnormal muscular contraction.
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doesn't develop
Normally no loss of touch or other
sensory
Sensory
(how to say it: SEN-sir-ee)
Definition:
Having to do with the senses (touch, sight, hearing, taste, smell).
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issues (eg, numbness, tingling)
There is no unusual difficulty speaking or swallowing
Tests used in diagnosing MMN
If your doctor thinks you may have MMN, there are certain tests you may need to do for a diagnosis:
Electromyography
The electrical activity of a muscle is recorded during a test called an
electromyography
Electromyography
(how to say it: uh-lek-trow-my-AAH-gruh-fee)
Definition:
The recording of the electrical activity of muscle tissue.
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.
This helps determine if muscle weakness is being caused by the muscle itself or by nerves that control the muscle.
Nerve conduction study
A nerve conduction study can test the impulses from the brain to specific nerves, helping pinpoint where the nerve might be damaged.
Blood test for GM1 antibody
Your doctor also may order a blood test to check for increased levels of GM1
antibodies
Antibodies
(how to say it: AN-tuh-bah-deez)
Definition:
Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system to fight infections. Sometimes, increased levels of GM1 antibodies show up in blood test results for people with MMN.
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in your blood. Only about half of people with MMN have these antibodies, so the test results do not necessarily rule out a diagnosis. However, the test can help lead to an MMN diagnosis in those patients who have GM1 antibodies.
Living with MMN
Jen: I had never heard of MMN prior to my diagnosis. My doctor was trying to explain MMN to me and none of it made sense. I left the hospital and I immediately started researching MMN on the internet. The first thing that popped up was ALS.
One of the first things it says is, you have two to five years to live after diagnosis. And I was terrified. I didn't realize there was a difference between ALS and MMN. There wasn't any information out there. I dug and I dug and I dug, and I could not find answers about MMN, and I felt empty.
My greatest fear moving forward is being in a wheelchair at a young age. It's still a fear that I have every day of my life.
Take charge of your doctor's appointment
It's essential to be your own advocate when it comes to your health. Preparing for your appointment helps ensure you make the most of the time you have with your doctor.
Bring your Symptom Checker to your doctor's appointment with the following items filled in before you get there:
- An overview of your symptoms, including the length and severity of each symptom
- A list of any medications you're taking and how they make you feel
Prepare a list of questions you want to ask your doctor, such as:
- What are the treatments for this condition?
- Where can I turn for more information?
- What tests will I need to have for a diagnosis?
KNOW
the details about MMN
MMN happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks nerves involved in muscle movement. Symptoms usually begin as weakness in one hand or foot.
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