Posthypoxic Myoclonus and Its Management

Seven patients with Lance-Adams syndrome (LAS, chronic posthypoxic myoclonus) are seen in this video segment. The first young woman survived an asthmatic arrest and is shown after discharge from the intensive care unit on her initial hospitalization. Myoclonic jerks of both outstretched hands are seen, with action myoclonus affecting attempt to write. The next patient developed LAS after surviving a respiratory arrest following a complication of thyroid surgery. Severe action and intention myoclonus are seen when she attempts to point to a letter board. The following young man developed LAS after a respiratory arrest. Despite treatment with multiple anti-myoclonic medications, he experienced episodes of exhausting continuous myoclonic jerking (myoclonic status) that would last up to an hour.