Postanoxic myoclonus. Treatment of a case with 5-hydroxytryptophane and a decarboxylase inhibitor.
Postanoxic myoclonus was first accepted as being related to a dysfunction of the ventrolateral thalamic nucleus. Several stereotaxic studies have invalidated this hypothesis. The neurochemical approach, in particular the measure of 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid in the cerebrospinal fluid, has opened new theoretical and therapeutic possibilities involving serotoninergic pathways. A typical case is presented who improved markedly under a combined therapy with 5-hydroxytryptophan and a decarboxylase inhibitor. A review of the pathogenesis and therapeutic approach to postanoxic myoclonus is presented.
D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001545:Benserazide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006834:Hydrazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009207:Myoclonus / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology
D006834:Hydrazines; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid; D001545:Benserazide; D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan