Facio-Oculo-Palatal Myoclonus Complicated by a Recurrent Brainstem Stroke.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• A 54-year-old Thai male experienced multiple ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
• One month post-brainstem stroke, the patient developed facio-oculo-palatal myoclonus (FOPM).

Observation:

• Patient presented with involuntary, jerky, horizontal ocular oscillations.
• Asymmetrical palatal and perioral myoclonus were also observed.
• Symptoms were consistent with the diagnostic criteria for FOPM.

Findings:

• Facio-oculo-palatal myoclonus (FOPM) is a rare condition.
• FOPM can serve as a clinical indicator of lesions in the brainstem, particularly the Guillain-Mollaret triangle.
• Cerebrovascular diseases are the most frequent cause of FOPM.

Implications:

• FOPM may aid in the early diagnosis of brainstem lesions.
• Understanding the link between stroke and FOPM can improve patient outcomes.
• Further research into the pathophysiology of FOPM post-stroke is warranted.