Oms is a severely debilitating condition that mainly affects children. There are roughly 30 U.S cases a year. The onset is usually before the age of two. About half of all cases are related to a neuroblastoma (tumor). The rest are viral in nature. Opsoclonus- Myoclonus describes the symptoms of the condition. Opsoclonus refers to the uncontrollable, horizontal and vertical jerks of the eyes. Myoclonus, the shock-like spasms of the muscles. Myoclonus can affect the arms, legs, head, trunk or the entire body causing incapacitating tremors and muscle weakness.
Dr. Kinsbourne diagnosed OMS in the 1960's. Although a few recent studies have come out, there is little research and no protocol for OMS. It is usually misdiagnosed and treatment is delayed. OMS is an immune response to the neuroblastoma or neurotropic virus. The cells in the tumor mimic the cells in the brain. The antibodies created to attack the foreign body also attack cells in the cerebellum and brain stem. This causes the cells to die and the cerebellum to shrink (cerebral atrophy). |
