Severe Hypnic Jerks

[shamrock]

I have been diagnosed with severe hypnic jerks.  I have had this condition for approximately 6 years.  I have had sleep studies, MRI, EEG, ultra sound, etc.  I am currently being treated with Neurontin and Estazolam.  While this medication certainly has helped me since before being treated I could hardly function due to sleep deprivation & now can hold a job, I find Klonopin keeps surfacing in my research.  I do have some nights I still struggle with & have some days I am excessively fatigued in the afternoon.  My questions are:



1.  What is the difference between Neurontin & Klonopin?

2.  Is Klonopin the preferred method of treatment or is there

    other treatment available?

3.  Why did this happen just out-of-blue?

4.  And finally, since I suffered for 6 years, I don't hold out

    much hope this will ever go away.  What do you think?



Thank you.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

I assume you are describing period limb movements in sleep. Klonopin and Estazolam are from the same family of drugs, the benzodiazepines. The treatment for periodic limb movements include, Neurontin (a anti-seizure drug), benzodiazepines, opiods, and dopamine agonists (Parkinson's disease medication, although used at much lower levels). The exact cause for the disorder is unknown, but can also be seen with restless leg syndrome.



Restless leg syndrome is a disorder during which a patient has an uncomfortable sensation in his legs or arms. This sensation  makes them want to move, and the moving decreases the sensation. This typically occurs when a patient is resting.



I am not aware of data on remittance, however in the future a repeat sleep study off medication can be performed to evaluate for remittance. Good luck.