[A spectacular and benign syndrome of neonatal convulsions: deep sleep myoclonus]

Four case reports concerning neonates presenting, without any predisposing factors, severe and lasting myoclonus, occurring exclusively during sleep. These began between 1 and 4 days of age and stopped between 3 weeks and 5 months. Electro-encephalogram was normal, even during episodes of clonus which occurred during deep sleep. A predisposing genetic factor is likely. A better knowledge of this syndrome should avoid hospitalizations and misuse of anticonvulsive treatments.