Hypnic Jerks

[shamrock]

I have been treated at CCF for hypnic jerks for about 4 years now.  After about 8 years with this condition I have done extensive research and can never seem to find out the cause.  Any new discoveries about this and why?  

Thank you.

Shamrock

[dreamer1]

Hi all,

I'm new here. Just started experiencing these jerks steady for the last few weeks. Only happens when I am about to fall asleep. EVERYTIME. So for the first few nights I didn't get any sleep. Very depressing. I found that taking .5 mg of ativan everynight stops the jerks completely. I end up sleeping sometimes 9 hours. Problem is that it makes me groggy all day. Just cut down to half a dose and it worked, but still groggy. I'm seeing a holistic doctor who believes it's hormones. I'm 48 and in peri-menopause. He wants me off the ativan but I'm not giving it up until I find a natural answer.  

Lost my job a few months ago and need to get back to work but can't cuz I'm so tired. Also about to lose my health insurance. Scary and stressful.

My reg med doc says the jerks's are nothing serious because I only get them when I'm about to fall alseep. He thinks they are caused by stress.

Still contining my holistic approach to heal this problem. If I find a solution I'll share it with all of you. Thank you for all your information and direction.

Lele, I know a few people who have had brain tumors and years later after surgery are all doing great and are exceptionally healthy. I admire your strength. You are an inspiration. Thank you.

[dreamer1]

Thanks Lele for your gift of determination.  I won't give up either because I refuse to go through my life with this. Has anyone tried a Chiropractor? And has anyone had these symptoms...fast heart beat and a feeling like you drank 100 cups of coffee?

[Lele Bug]

Hello there,

Thanks for the kind words. I am really confident that things will be ok. I know that through all of this there will be an answer, a clearly clinical one, to this thing we have. I am commited to getting to the bottom of it. I won't give up, you don't give up either.

Lou, I was thinking about your insurance application. You may have a waiting period regarding pre-existing conditions. Just make sure you check that out. If you need my help with the other options please let me know.

Blessings to all,

Lele

[Lele Bug]

Hi Lou,

Thanks for all your kind words. I am very optimistic that all will turn out well. I have a wonderful family and group of friends that are very supportive. I am sure I will be fine.

I was talking to my sister yesterday and she mentioned that she works with a christian organization that arranges medical care for working people that do not have access to medical insurance like artists. If you can tell me what city you are in I can have her check to see which is closest to you. She said it is somewhat of a chore to get qualified but once you are it's great. You can get all of your MRIs, surgeries etc. for very little.

I feel certain that we are on the right track with this thing. I may have to address this tumor before I can get this nerve compression taken care of but I will know alot more this week. I'll keep you posted. It looks like our thread on this forum is about to drop off into the archives so we may need to start a new one soon so keep an eye out for that.

Hope things get beter for you in the meantime and you can get some sleep. Try the melatonin again. I've had some good results with that at 3-6 mgs.

Take care,

Lele

[slothman]

Thanks, Lele.

I just sent off an application to an insurance company. I should here something back from that soon. Thanks for the offer from your sister. I'll let you know if they decline me.

Funny you should mention the melatonin. I read online about it helping for children with  propriospinal myoclonus. I thought I'd try it again.
Melatonin and a little wine put me to sleep last night. I slept 6 hours and woke up at 5am. The jerks started up. I took another small dose of melatonin and was able to fall back to sleep for another 3 hours.
I haven't slept that long in a week.

Good luck this week.
Thanks for keeping me informed.
I'll keep my eye out for the thread to run out.

-Lou

[Lele Bug]

Hi Lou,

I forgot to answer your question about other symptoms.

I really don't have any other nerve compression symptoms other than I have some neck pain. Mine also pops and has a grinding sound when I move my head back and forth. Hope that helps

Lele