title: Spinal myoclonus: successful treatment with the combination of sodium valproate and L-5-hydroxytryptophan.
abstract: We describe a 37-year-old man with spinal segmental myoclonus characterized by symmetric, rhythmic contractions of the abdomen with a frequency ranging between 100 and 150/min. The combination of sodium valproate and L-5-hydroxytryptophan was useful to control the myoclonus. We comment on the possible role of the serotonergic system in this syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Neurología, Hospital Na Sra, Virgen del Puerto, Plasencia, Cáceres, Spain.
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Jiménez-Jiménez
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Roldan
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zancada
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Molina-Arjona
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fernandez-Ballesteros
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Santos
mesh_terms: D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009207:Myoclonus / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014635:Valproic Acid; D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan