Has anyone experienced severe hypnic jerks? My arms cross or straighten and stiffen. My head can turn to the right. My right arm can fly across my body. My hands can tremor. These movements are involuntary.
I have been diagnosed with hypnic jerks and restless legs & arms. I am taking gabapentin which works for my legs, but not my arms. The leg movements can be voluntary, but the arm movements are not.
A few weeks ago, my head turned to the right, both arms stiffened & straightened, then I experienced a painful jolt. All of my muscles were contracted. Next thing I know I am out. When I woke up the next morning, I was off balance and my coordination was off. My right leg and arm were affected.
A few weeks later while on medicine both arms tremored. I think it happened about 5 times. When I woke up in the morning, my coordination was off again. Much like someone who has had too much to drink. I was also very, very fatigued.
We have ruled out seizures and other disorders, but I can't make sense of the "morning after" effects. I am a pro at meditating and ignoring these movements so I can get to sleep, but it just seems severe to me.
The onset of these symtoms occurred when I was about 6 months post partum. I believe I have always had a sleep disorder, but this got out of control when my sleep cycle was disrupted.
My neurologist listens to what I have to say, so I feel pretty good about that. We increased the gabapentin and have added klonopin.
I was just curious if what I have described is typical for anyone with RLS or Hypnic Jerks.
Thank You,