Dr. Godofredo or CCFNeuroME Please help-Myoclonus

Hi,  I had a TBI on Sept. 14, epidural hematoma with skull fractures.  Occipital and Paraiteal lobes affected.  good recovery cognitively.  Right-sided weakness.

I now have myoclonus of my legs and sometimes arms.  I do see a neurologist and he has me on Klozepam 4 times a day.  MRI and EEG ruled out epilepsy, so I guess my myoclonus is coming from my brain.  I now only flail about an hour or 2 a day versus 100 times an hour previously.  

Do people ever recover from this?  I cannot drive due to this or go back to my job where I deal with the public and start flailing.  

I am single and 39 and need to support myself and eventually get a job.  I know it's difficult for you to suggest drs, but is there any place that specializes in myoclonus from brain injuries I could go to-I live in Wisconsin.  I am simply desperate to 'rid' myself of this or could I potentially be on meds the rest of my life and flail the rest of my life.  

Maybe I should try a movement disorders clinic? Would any other tests be helpful?

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

I am so sorry to hear of your injury and I do hope your condition will improve soon.

Myoclonus does occur secondary to traumatic brain injury and this is most likely what has caused your condition. I will not lie to you. Myoclonus has a more favorable prognosis in cases where the cause of the condition can be reversible, such as ingestion of some medication or a toxin. More chronic causes may have a longer period of recovery, or even not at all, and would have to cope with the condition their whole lives.

However, since your myoclonus has shown some significant improvement (2/day versus 100/hour), there is a possibility that more improvement would ensue.

You should continue to have regular follow-ups with your neurologist to monitor your condition.

I'm sorry but I do not know of any place that specializes in myoclonus from brain injuries. Maybe someone else here does. A movement disorders clinic consult is actually a good idea and may help gauge your improvement.

At this point, I don't see any need for further tests. Rehabilitation is more important at this stage.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.

[HFaith]

Thank you so much for your help.  This is truly an invaluable site.  Happy New Year.
Faith