[Favorable course of Lance-Adams postanoxic action myoclonus]

Clinical and electrophysiologic data concerning the postanoxic action myoclonus syndrome were described by Lance and Adams in 1963. A patient presented myoclonus involving all parts of the body after laryngospasm. The myoclonus was worsened by emotion and voluntary activity and was clearly attenuated by sleep. Spectacular improvement was observed within one week after valproate and piracetam administration. Clinicians should be aware of this syndrome in order to propose appropriate treatment and avoid delay in the therapeutic decision.