hyper episodes

My son is 11 and is completely disabled, doesn't walk, sit or stand. In the past 6 months he has been having these hyper episodes, he gets really excited, fully extends his arms and legs and becomes very tight.... his blood pressure, pulse rate and temperature all shoot up. He was recently hospitalized at children's medical for 11 days, and while hospitalized, we learned that during these episodes, his O2 levels drop. After 11 days, they still didn't know what was causing them, had increased his medication and they stopped for 8 days...today they started again. Any suggestions????

worried mommy

[percy1989]

I have a son with similar symptoms do you think the drop in O2 is a significant factor ie cause or symptom.
Our son's symptoms start with extentions of the jaw which can sometimes be easily closed and sometimes it is more difficult which in turn develops into full body spasms.
Medicine wise we have been prescribed Midazolam Buccal Liquid. The dosage of which is generally 0.25mls sometimes more depending on the strength of the spasm.
We find the Midazolam tends to calm rather than cure like yourself we are still looking for an answer.

[ciclake]

OMG!!!  My son has these EXACT symptoms!!  We have yet to get to the bottom of it!  My son just turned 20, also can not walk, sit or stand.  Also about 6 months ago.....his arms fly back, legs stiffen, face becomes tight with jaw extended, then the full body spasms begin!!!!!  Also during these spasms, his legs begin jerky motions ( looking like he is somewhere between kicking / stomping hard and pedaling a bike!) if that makes any sense!  In between these spasmodic episodes ( that's what I call them ) his heart is racing so fast and hard and he is so out of breath!   Like it has got to be taking a toll on his heart and respiratory!  Every vein in his arms is popping out when he does this. afterwords he is just drenched in sweat!!  Some days and night are worse and more severe than others.  We have taken him to Dr after Dr, with no luck or idea as to why he has begun doing this!!!  Since they don't know what it is, they will not prescribe any medications!  They only tried one in the beginning, BACLOFEN, ( I believe it was called)  THAT MEDICATION MADE HIM WORSE!!  IT WAS A LIVING NIGHTMARE!!!   HE DID IT 24/7 ON THAT STUFF!!  I thought he would have heart failure if we didn't get him weaned back off!!!!!  I WILL NEVER GIVE MY SON THAT MED AGAIN UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!   These spasms have taken over our lives!!  I now have to stay by him day and night because his legs will get crossed over the other  ( due to a slight natural scissoring anyway ) they just become crossed over now when he does that kicking motion.  This in turn pulls on his bad hip!  Someone has to unlock his legs when this happens!  He hasn't been able to go to school, because they are happening so often now and his teacher and school nurse are not able to deal with them anymore!!  We, as his parents FEEL TOTALLY HELPLESS!!!   A neurosurgeon recently ruled out any kind of change in his cat scans, no increased pressure....but said we are describing (what sounds like to him), partial complex seizures!   TODAY, we are taking him to a new neurologist that specializes in seizure disorders!  I PRAY WE CAN FIND OUT WHATS GOING ON AND WHY!!!!!  He is only sleeping now out of pure exhaustion, and even then, I see his legs start to slightly move in that motion, but then it stops!  

[Dr San Miguel]

Hi. Because cerebral palsy is a collection of syndromes of motor dysfunction, treatment is aimed at maximizing lifetime independence within the limitations of the individual's handicap. Medications, for example, may relax tight muscles and reduce tremors and muscle spasms. Some doctors use injectable medications such as Botox or phenol to reduce areas of muscle spasticity. It is common for children with cerebral palsy to develop seizures due to abnormal brain development and neural connection. However, with every seizure episode, the brain loses oxygen, and further damage is produced in the brain and nerves. If your child has epilepsy or seizure, anticonvulsant medications may be given. Cerebral palsy is not curable, but you can help alleviate pain and suffering by providing him the love and support he deserves. Hope this helps.