Recurrent spontaneous myoclonus in alcohol withdrawal

I have described two patients who had recurrent spontaneous myoclonic jerking in the alcohol withdrawal state. These movements were distinguishable clinically and electroencephalographically from partial seizures and epilepsia partialis continua. The jerking did not respond to anticonvulsants but resolved as the withdrawal state abated. No cerebral lesion or metabolic disturbance was found in either patient. Spontaneous myoclonus in alcohol withdrawal is likely to represent diffuse cerebral hyperirritability during the withdrawal state. These patients suggest that spontaneous myoclonic jerking during alcohol withdrawal need not imply additional focal or generalized cerebral abnormality.