Overnight response to levetiracetam in Lance–Adams syndrome presenting 3 years after cardiac arrest

• Published in: The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery Vol. 59; no. 1; pp. 120 - 3
• Main Authors: AbdelRazek, Mahmoud A, Marey, Ahmed, Taha, Ahmed, Morin, Scott J, Brodski, Alexander, Mollashahi, Roohallah S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mumbai Springer Nature B.V 24-08-2023; SpringerOpen
• Subjects: Acids; Anoxic brain; Cardiac arrest; Case reports; Epilepsy; Hospitals; Hypoxia; Hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy cardiac arrest; Myoclonus; Neurology; Post-anoxic; Psychiatry; Respiratory failure; Traumatic brain injury
• ISSN: 1110-1083; 1687-8329
• DOI: 10.1186/s41983-023-00721-8

BackgroundLance–Adams syndrome (LAS), also known as chronic post-hypoxic myoclonus manifests as myoclonic movements of the face, limbs, or trunk following hypoxic brain injury, which may occur during respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.Case presentationWe present a case and provide a video of a patient who developed LAS 3 years after experiencing cardiac arrest, presenting with action-induced generalized myoclonus upon standing. The patient exhibited a significant response to levetiracetam. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of LAS with such a delayed onset following the initial hypoxic event.ConclusionIt is crucial for clinicians to be aware of this treatable condition and recognize that its onset may be delayed, occurring years after a hypoxic brain insult. This improved understanding will facilitate prompt diagnosis and effective management of LAS, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.