[Case of post-anoxic reticular reflex myoclonus]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurophysiology

Background:

• Reticular reflex myoclonus is a rare neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle jerks.
• Few documented video cases exist, making clinical and electrophysiological documentation crucial.

Observation:

• A 60-year-old woman presented with spontaneous and stimulus-sensitive myoclonic jerks affecting the face, neck, and upper extremities post-anoxic episode.
• Electrophysiological investigation revealed myoclonic activity originating in the sternocleidomastoid muscle and spreading cranially and caudally.

Findings:

• Surface electromyography demonstrated brief myoclonic activity.
• Cortical somatosensory evoked potentials and long-latency reflexes were not enhanced, differentiating it from other myoclonus types.

Implications:

• This case aligns with the original description of reticular reflex myoclonus by Hallett et al. in 1977.
• The documented video and electrophysiological findings enhance understanding and diagnosis of this rare condition.