Benign Neonatal Sleep Myoclonus Mimicking Status Epilepticus

Abstract

Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus is a self-limited movement disorder characterized by neonatal-onset myoclonic jerks only during sleep, abrupt and consistent cessation with arousal, and absence of concomitant electrographic changes suggestive of seizures. It has a good outcome and was included in the differential diagnosis of neonatal seizures. A presumed transient serotonin imbalance and genetic factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of this disorder. We report a case of benign neonatal sleep myoclonus mimicking status epilepticus in an infant with a family history of nocturnal myoclonus, tic disorder, and sleep disturbance. We suggest that this benign entity should be included in the differential diagnosis of status epilepticus during the newborn period. ( J Child Neurol 2004;19:62—63).