Jerky periods: myoclonus occurring solely during menses

Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y). 2013 Apr 26:3:tre-03-163-3723-1. doi: 10.7916/D83X85C9. Print 2013.

Abstract

Background: In this case report, we describe an unusual case of a patient with myoclonus only occurring during menses.

Case report: A 41-year-old female, known to have neurological sequelae after a car accident 1 year earlier, presented with myoclonic movements of the right arm and hand only during menses. Brain magnetic resonance imaging is compatible with head trauma. Electromyography shows brief irregular bursts with a duration of about 20 ms.

Discussion: This appears to be the first description of myoclonus appearing only during menses. We suggest a cortical origin for myoclonus.

Keywords: Myoclonus; estrogen; menses; menstrual period.