A SYNDROME OF CONTINUOUS MUSCLE-FIBRE ACTIVITY

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Abstract
Two cases of a syndrome designated as continuous muscle-fiber activity are described so as to compare the features of this disease with myotonic disorders of muscle. The similarities presented are those of aggravation by cold, sustained shortening of the muscle following strong voluntary contraction, and a discharge rate of electrical activity which varies between 5 and 250/sec. The pattern suggests abnormal, spontaneous contraction of large numbers of muscle fibers. There also exists a lack of response to direct mechanical stimulation, fasciculation, and patients maintain a persistent electrical discharge at all times. It is concluded that the defect is in the terminal network of the lower motor neurone. The uncontrolled discharge has been therapeutically restored to normal by sodium hydantoinate, an anti-convulsant drug.