<unk>  <unk>  is a progressively worsening condition where muscles in the extremities gradually weaken. The disorder, a pure<unk>  neuropathy syndrome, is sometimes mistaken for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) because of the similarity in the clinical picture, especially if muscle fasciculations are present.<unk>  is thought to be autoimmune. It was first described in the mid-1980s. Unlike ALS, which affects both upper and lower<unk>  neuron pathways,<unk>  involves only the lower<unk>  neuron pathway, specifically, the peripheral nerves emanating from the lower<unk>  neurons. Definitive diagnosis is often difficult, and many<unk>  patients labor for months or years under an ALS diagnosis before finally getting a determination of<unk> .<unk>  usually involves very little pain; however, muscle cramps, spasms and twitches can cause pain for some sufferers.<unk>  is not fatal, and does not diminish life expectancy. Many patients, once undergoing treatment, only experience mild symptoms over prolonged periods, though the condition remains slowly progressive.<unk>  can however, lead to significant disability, with loss of function in hands affecting ability to work and perform everyday tasks, and "foot drop" leading to inability to stand and walk; some patients end up using aids like canes, splints and walkers.
Multifocal motor neuropathy
Progressive bulbar palsy
Small fiber peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral mononeuropathy
Progressive muscular atrophy
Facial onset sensory and motor neuropathy
Dissociated sensory loss
Proximal diabetic neuropathy