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Published in: BMC Neurology 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Case report

Combined focal myoclonus and dystonia secondary to a cerebellar hemorrhage: a case report

Authors: Guangxun Shen, Guangxian Nan, Chae-Won Shin, Hyeyoung Park, Kwee-Yum Lee, Beomseok Jeon

Published in: BMC Neurology | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Myoclonus is a clinical sign characterized by sudden, brief jerky, shock-like involuntary movements of a muscle or group of muscles. Dystonia is defined as a syndrome of sustained muscle contractions, frequently causing twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. Cases of myoclonus or dystonia secondary to a structural lesion in the cerebellum have been reported. However, there has never been a reported case of combined myoclonus and dystonia secondary to a cerebellar lesion.

Case presentation

Herein, we report a 22-year-old female patient with sudden-onset myoclonic jerks, dystonic posture and mild ataxia in the right upper extremity. At age 19, she experienced sudden headache with vomiting. The neurological examination showed ataxia, myoclonus and dystonia in the right upper extremity. Brain images demonstrated a hemorrhage in the right cerebellar hemisphere secondary to a cavernous malformation. After resection of the hemorrhagic mass, headache with vomiting disappeared and ataxia improved, but myoclonus and dystonia persisted.

Conclusions

It is the first report of combined focal myoclonus and dystonia secondary to a cerebellar lesion.
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Metadata
Title
Combined focal myoclonus and dystonia secondary to a cerebellar hemorrhage: a case report
Authors
Guangxun Shen
Guangxian Nan
Chae-Won Shin
Hyeyoung Park
Kwee-Yum Lee
Beomseok Jeon
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Neurology / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2377
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-016-0745-6

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