Movements mimicking myoclonus associated with spinal cord pathology: Is this a ‘‘pure motor restless legs syndrome’’?

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The neuroanatomic substrate of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is poorly understood, and the diagnosis is clinically made based upon subjective sensory symptoms, although a motor component is usually present. Case Report: We report two cases of elderly patients with spinal pathology who were referred by neurologists for myoclonus. Both had semi-rhythmic leg movements that partially improved while standing, but denied any urge to move. These movements improved dramatically with pramipexole, a dopamine agonist used for RLS. Discussion: We propose that this ‘‘myoclonus’’ is actually the isolated stereotypic motor component of RLS.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalTremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements
Volume2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012

Keywords

  • Dopamine agonists
  • Dyskinesia while awake
  • Myoclonus
  • Periodic limb movements
  • Restless legs syndrome

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology

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