Hirayama disease: An unusual case report

Abstract

Hirayama disease is an uncommon and rarely seen lower motor neuron disease. It is usually seen during periods of rapid growth (15-25 years). Distal upper extremities characteristically show weakness and atrophy. In this paper a case is presented of this rare, and difficult to diagnose disease, not previously reported in this age group, and the findings are discussed in the light of information of earlier cases in Turkey. A 53-year old male patient presented at Inonu University Neurology Polyclinic with complaints of motion tremor and atrophy in the left arm, which had been ongoing for 4 years. After electromyography, the deltoid, biceps, triceps, extensor digitorum communis, abductor pollicis brevis and abduction digiti minimi muscles were identified in the upper left limb. This case report presents information about the differential diagnosis, detailed symptoms and treatment methods of a Hirayama patient applying for physical therapy.