Electrophysiological characteristics and anatomical differentiation of epileptic and non-epileptic myoclonus

Abstract Background Electrophysiological techniques have been used for discriminating myoclonus from other hyperkinetic movement disorders and classifying the subtype. This study was carried out on patients with different subtypes of to determine electrophysiological characteristics anatomical classification etiologies. included 20 compared 30 control participants. all by somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) electroencephalography (EEG) while group underwent SSEP. SSEP evaluated in groups stimulation right left median nerves. Results 50 cases causes mean age 39.3 ± 15.7 consisted 23 males 27 females. Twenty-nine (58%) were epileptics, 21 (42%) non-epileptics. Cases classified anatomically into ten cortical (20%), 12 subcortical (24%), 28 cortical–subcortical (56%). There a significant difference regarding presence EEG findings epileptic myoclonic non-epileptic ( P = 0.005). Also, there differences P24 amplitude, N33 P24–N33 peak-to-peak complex amplitude types myoclonus. Primary epilepsy (PME) demonstrated giant response, juvenile (JME) no enhancement controls, secondary lower response PME. Conclusion Somatosensory are important diagnosis sub-classification so may help decision-making subsequent management.