Myoclonus is an abrupt arrhythmic condition with shock-like movements that can be triggered by sensory stimuli, affecting the trunk or limbs during voluntary movement. Since motor symptoms are often not easily treatable, various pharmacological treatment options have been suggested. We report a case of using intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy in a patient with hypoxic brain injury (HBI), leading to the alleviation of myoclonus. A 29-year-old woman repeatedly presented with generalized myoclonus and multiple joint contractures at both upper and lower limbs after resuscitation. She cried during intractable myoclonus events, making it difficult for her to maintain a good sleep pattern. Due to the persistent status of multiple joint contractures and intractable myoclonus, we offered an ITB trial to control her symptoms. After ITB, her total scores on the Unified Myoclonus Rating Scale progressively improved as the doses of baclofen increased. Therefore, ITB therapy should be considered as a substantial option in the management of intractable myoclonus in patients with HBI to prevent various complications and improve the quality of life.
Facial nerve palsy (FNP) can be a challenging medical condition, and bilateral FNP is an uncommon occurrence that is potentially fatal and warrants urgent medical intervention. We report a rare case of bilateral FNP that developed after traumatic brain injury (TBI), which we approached through an electromyographic study. A 23-year-old male patient had experienced a fall-down injury from height of 4 meters while on his military service. Computed tomography of the brain and facial bone showed acute TBI and multiple skull base fractures. Limited facial expression and dysarthria started at the time of cranioplasty, which was about 3 months after the patient’s initial presentation, and these symptoms gradually deteriorated over time. An electrodiagnostic study demonstrated incomplete bilateral facial nerve lesions, which were strongly indicated as lower motor neuron lesions. An early diagnosis based on electrodiagnostic study should be considered for proper treatment, which can achieve optimal functional recovery after bilateral FNP.
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