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Sustained Effect of Botulinum Neurotoxin in Myoclonus Owing to Epilepsia Partialis Continua
Author(s) -
Bedarf Janis Rebecca,
Marek Milena,
Bien Christian G.,
Elger Christian E.,
Paus Sebastian
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
movement disorders clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.754
H-Index - 18
ISSN - 2330-1619
DOI - 10.1002/mdc3.12216
Subject(s) - epilepsia partialis continua , myoclonus , myoclonic jerk , dystonia , medicine , movement disorders , anesthesia , botulinum neurotoxin , neuroscience , psychology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , epilepsy , disease , status epilepticus , biochemistry , chemistry , toxin
Abstract Background Epilepsia partialis continua ( EPC ) is defined as continuous myoclonic jerking of a body part of cortical origin and often resembles a movement disorder. Unfortunately, anti‐epileptic therapy is frequently ineffective. Currently, the effect of botulinum neurotoxin (Bo NT ) therapy in EPC is controversial. Methods We analyzed case histories, treatment protocols, and video documentation of 5 patients with EPC , who received Bo NT therapy in our movement disorders unit. The Unified Myoclonus Rating Scale was used to document treatment effects. Results In all patients, Bo NT treatment significantly reduced severity and frequency of myoclonus and led to pronounced improvement of speech and arm utilization, regardless of etiology or duration of EPC . Conclusion Bo NT represents a safe, effective treatment in EPC , offering long‐term abatement of myoclonus. The substantial functional profit may hint at mechanisms beyond local impairment of neuromuscular transmission, such as modulation of maladaptive cortical plasticity, as observed in dystonia and poststroke spasticity.