Anyone hear of Myoclonic Seizures?

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Paradise - 24 May 2004 23:13 GMT

My Mom has dementia, and it is believed to be Alzheimers. She is 97 years
old. She was doing well until she developed pneumonia, and then things
started to go down hill. She had a problem over the last few years, whereby
her legs would give out on her. When she walked with her walker I would
always have to hold her tight as we never knew when this would happen.
After the pneumonia (beginning of this April) her dementia worsened. She
was referred to a neurologist, had an EEG, and actually had a seizure during
the EEG! This actually was a good thing, as they were able to determine
what her problem was. She was, therefore, diagnosed with "myoclonic
seizures." Has anyone heard of this? If so, what info can you provide? I
thank you for any help you can give me. She is now taking a medication
called Keppra (100 mg) and the muscle jerks have disappeared. She was just
transferred last week from the hospital to a skilled nursing facility.
Today, with the physical therapist, she walked with her walker about 20
feet. I was very pleased to see she could walk this well, especially after
a 10 day hospital stay. She's a tough lady!

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Darryl - 25 May 2004 01:48 GMT

A brief description of myoclonus can be found here:
http://www.myoclonus.com/whatis.htm

If I recall correctly, Keppra is on the frontline for the treatment of
partial seizures. It comes from a class of drugs called
pyrrolidone's, which have been used with some success as 'nootropics'
or smart drugs. In the case of Keppra, the jury is out as to whether
it helps improve cognition but as you indicate, it's good for
myoclonic seizures.

As you note, having a seizure during the EEG was probably the "best"
thing that could have happened! I'm glad to hear that things worked
out.

Darryl.

>My Mom has dementia, and it is believed to be Alzheimers. She is 97 years
>old. She was doing well until she developed pneumonia, and then things
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>feet. I was very pleased to see she could walk this well, especially after
>a 10 day hospital stay. She's a tough lady!

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Mare - 10 Jun 2004 23:59 GMT

Hi,
My Mom has them sometimes. Dr thinks it's because of the atrophy
of her brain. They are not severe enough that we felt we should
do anything about them.

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Mare
mfcoleman@THEOLEmindspring.com
http://www.muggsmulcher.com/kstuff/a.s.a/intro.htm
alt.support.alzheimers' FAQs and Stuff Pages

> My Mom has dementia, and it is believed to be Alzheimers. She is 97 years
> old. She was doing well until she developed pneumonia, and then things
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> feet. I was very pleased to see she could walk this well, especially after
> a 10 day hospital stay. She's a tough lady!

Reply to this Message