GALOP syndrome

Introduction

Gait disorder, Autoantibody, Late-age Onset, Polyneuropathy.

Epidemiology

• average age 70 years

Clinical manifestations

• development over 2-15 years
• ataxia generally mild
  • slow ambulation
  • frequent falls, particularly backward
• polyneuropathy
  • moderate distal weakness may be present
  • sensory neuropathy in stocking pattern
• positive Romberg test

Laboratory

• ELISA for IgM reactive with central myelin antigen
• GALOP Ab in serum/plasma
  • GALOP IgM in serum/plasma

Management

• intravenous immune globulin may be of benefit
• cyclophosphamide may be of benefit

More general terms

• syndrome