What is the workup for benign sleep myoclonus (involuntary muscle jerks during sleep)?

From the Research

Clinical Characteristics of Benign Sleep Myoclonus

• Benign sleep myoclonus is characterized by myoclonic jerks that occur only during sleep and stop abruptly when the child is aroused 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
• The myoclonic jerks are mostly bilateral, synchronous, and symmetrical in distribution, and never involve the facial muscles 1
• An episode of jerks can last from a few seconds to 20 minutes 1

Diagnostic Evaluation

• Electroencephalography (EEG) is used to rule out epileptic seizures, and in most cases, EEG findings are normal 1, 2, 3, 5
• EEG-EMG recording can be useful for diagnosis 3
• Ultrasound (US) may be used to evaluate for any underlying conditions, but in most cases, US findings are normal 1

Differential Diagnosis

• Benign sleep myoclonus must be included in the differential diagnosis of neonatal seizures 2
• The condition can be distinguished from epileptic seizures by the absence of concomitant electrographic changes suggestive of seizures and the abrupt cessation of jerks with arousal 2

Prognosis and Outcome

• Benign sleep myoclonus is a benign condition with a good outcome 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
• The myoclonic jerks typically disappear spontaneously within the first few months of life, with a median age of resolution of 2 months 1
• Neurological development is usually normal, and the condition does not have any long-term sequelae 1, 3, 4, 5