Segmental Spinal Myoclonus

I have RRMS, Cervical spine fusion C5,6,67 in 1980, and severe spinal degeneration of entire spine. At

T2,T3 area cord is deformed. on MRI cord looks like a sideways S as something, they think maybe an Aracnoid cyst, since it has shown up since 1982, and gradually gotten larger and is now compressing the cord.The cordhas thinned in that area. However no abnormal signal shows up within the cord itself at this time.

On October 25th, as I was lying down on my side resting, I started having jerking in my trunk area. Also when sitting still and when standing still. The jerks vary in strength. Strong ones cause me to make a noise When it did not go away I went to my Neurologist. He said I have segmental spinal myoclonus.

The jerks do not happen when I sleep and I do not have any sleep problems.

Dr. tried  topramax  and it did not stop jerks and side efffects were not tolerated.Tried another seizure type med that did not stop the jerks and  also had  terrible side effects  Then the Neurologist gave me Valium 5 mg to take tid.

Cannot function on that amount because it makes me so sleepy. Am taking 2.5 mg tid and it only helps by making the jerking less strong.

To have the spinal MRI done I had to take 30 me of Valium. It did not entirely stop the jerking but made it mild enough that it did not interfere with the MRI.

Cannot see a specific lesion that is causing the irritation to the nerve that controls the muscle group that is being affected

Aslo have T8 & T10 anterior compression Fx's.. These are said to be healed now.

L 4,5 nerve root is compressed also. and spurs and disc bulges are at all levels of spine.



any way to tell what is causing this? It has been constant since Octover.

I also have really bad pain in my thighs, a deep ache, right hip area, buttocks, lower back and Thoracic area.All has gotten progressivly worse in the past 3 months..

Dexa scan shows bone mineralization of "young Adult". I do not have osteoporosis.

I Am supposed to have Spinal epidural steroid inj in couple of weeks. What must they do so that the myoclonic jerking stops so the needle can be put into my spine????

I cannot imagine trying to insert needle with me jerking without possibility of causing harm to me.

I have multiple problems and realize that it makes for a confusing picture.

Any help is certainly appreciated. I take Rebif for the MS. and the Doctor just gave me percocet and it does make the pain go away, however, I know that it is addictive and also tolerance is built up.

At this point what in the world do I do? Please help me find some answers.

I know this is long and maybe confusing and your time and consideration is appreciated.. I look forward to your reply.
Ambrgrl1