What is SMON?
Subacute myelo-optico-neuropathy (SMON) is a neurological disease characterized by abdominal symptoms such as stomachache and diarrhea, followed by specific numbness starting at the toe and ascending throughout the lower extremities or to the chest/abdominal area. In addition to such sensory impairments, SMON causes lower limb cramps (spasticity) or weakness, and in severe cases may lead to blindness due to impaired visual acuity or even death in some cases from brain-stem disorder. SMON often occurred in Japan since 1956 and became a social problem because it was suspected to be a new infectious disease and it occurred concurrently in various locations. We hope that this website will be helpful in preventing knowledge about SMON and drug-induced diseases from being forgotten, and facilitate the medical care and welfare of SMON patients.
Information
- 2015, Workshop, July 17, 2015 (Fri) Venue: Kuwayama Building
- 2015, Gathering of SMON patients, October 31, 2015 (Sat) Venue: Fukuoka Small Business Information Promotion Center
- 2015 Debriefing meeting on research, January 29, 2016 (Fri) Venue: Fukuracia Tokyo Station
- Research Committee on SMON
- Research representative:
Masaaki Konagaya, Director, NHO Suzuka National Hospital
3-2-1 Kasado, Suzuka-shi, Mie-ken, 513-8501
Phone: +81-59-378-1321
Related documents
- Beneficial knowledge for SMON patients
- Helpful information for SMON patients
- SMON social work handbook
