[Response to perampanel in a patient with chronic post-hypoxic myoclonus]

I Muro-García1, A Vieira1, L Vega1

  • 1Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, 28006 Madrid, España.

Revista De Neurologia
|July 22, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study explores chronic post-hypoxic myoclonus, a condition following brain damage. Perampanel showed significant improvement in a refractory case, suggesting it as a potential treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neuroscience

Background:

  • Chronic post-hypoxic myoclonus (CHM) is characterized by involuntary jerking movements after hypoxic brain injury, often from cardiorespiratory arrest.
  • Current treatments, primarily antiepileptic drugs, typically yield modest clinical responses in CHM patients.

Observation:

  • A case report details a patient experiencing severe, refractory myoclonus affecting limbs and face post-cardiorespiratory arrest.
  • Despite trials of various antiepileptic medications, the patient's condition persisted, significantly impacting quality of life.

Findings:

  • Initiation of perampanel at 4 mg resulted in substantial clinical improvement of myoclonus.
  • Electroencephalogram recordings during myoclonic episodes showed no electrical correlates, highlighting the complexity of CHM.

Implications:

  • Perampanel emerges as a promising therapeutic option for managing refractory myoclonus in chronic post-hypoxic cases.
  • This finding could guide future treatment strategies for patients with similar neurological conditions.

Related Concept Videos

Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists01:14

Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists

Glutamate is a fundamental neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a vital role in neuronal communication and various cognitive processes. Glutamate stands as the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its presence is crucial for the communication between neurons, underpinning essential processes such as synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and plasticity. These functions are vital for higher-order cognitive processes, including learning and memory. The...
607
Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators01:20

Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators

Ezocgabine or retigabine, an antiepileptic drug of remarkable efficacy, has revolutionized the management of seizures. It is a potassium channel activator, explicitly targeting the family of Q subtype potassium channels. It enhances the transmembrane potassium currents, regulating neuronal excitability. This action stabilizes the resting membrane potential, a pivotal factor in mitigating the hyperexcitability that characterizes epilepsy.
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
373
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects01:21

Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects

Skeletal muscle relaxants are widely used for muscle paralysis and relieving pain following any muscle injury or stiffness. However, depending on the drug type, they can have adverse effects that range from mild to severe. Usually, nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers have minimal side effects. For example, drugs like d-tubocurarine, cisatracurium, and rocuronium cause hypotension, whereas drugs like baclofen, when stopped abruptly, can lead to the recurrence of spastic conditions.
Unlike...
544
Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests01:15

Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
1.5K
Depolarizing Blockers: Mechanism of Action01:28

Depolarizing Blockers: Mechanism of Action

Depolarizing blockers act on skeletal muscle fibers' membranes and induce their depolarization. Most depolarizing blockers have two quaternary N+ atoms that bind the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and cause neuromuscular blockade within minutes.
Succinylcholine is the most commonly used depolarizing blocker. Chemically, it constitutes two molecules of acetylcholine joined together by an acetate methyl group. They act on the receptors in the same way as acetylcholine. Because...
2.1K
Depolarizing Blockers: Pharmocokinetics01:19

Depolarizing Blockers: Pharmocokinetics

Depolarizing blockers are administered through intravenous injection. Succinylcholine is the most common choice of depolarizing blockers in emergency clinical practices. Although they have a rapid onset, they readily diffuse away from the motor end plate into the extracellular fluid. They are metabolized by enzymes such as liver butyrylcholinesterase and plasma pseudocholinesterases. This produces a short duration of action, typically 5-10 minutes long, unlike nondepolarizing blockers, which...
419