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Updated: May 13, 2026

Methods to Quantify Pharmacologically Induced Alterations in Motor Function in Human Incomplete SCI
Published on: April 18, 2011
Movements Mimicking Myoclonus Associated with Spinal Cord Pathology: Is this a "Pure Motor Restless Legs Syndrome"
1University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77025, United States of America.
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.
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