Volatile anesthetic for the control of posthypoxic refractory myoclonic status.

Posthypoxic myoclonus (Lance-Adams syndrome) is characterized by myoclonus involving multiple muscle groups which is resistant to most conventional antiepileptic drugs. We present a case of hypoxic brain injury-induced myoclonic status epilepticus successfully controlled with isoflurane. The antimyoclonic effects of isoflurane are likely due to potentiation of inhibitory postsynaptic GABAA receptor-mediated currents and its effects on thalamocortical pathways. It is effective even when intravenous agents fail to control myoclonus. It may be a useful alternative to intravenous anesthetics as a third tier therapy in patients with refractory status myoclonus.