Uncontrollable Jerks

[CG1975]

Hello,

My friend (39) had a massive asthma attack 13 weeks ago whilst out for lunch, and in turn ended up having a heart attack, CPR was administered by the bar maid, then by the grace of god there was 2 off duty paramedics in the pub who took over.
The hospital told the family to say their last goodbyes and they hold out any hope, until a specialist saw a glimmer of hope and transferred her into intensive care, where she came round and has made amazing progress to where she is now.  Her brain seems to be fully functional, but she has been left with these uncontrollable jerks, all down her left side, she has no idea when they will happen and in turn ends up falling or dropping whatever she has hold of.  
She was discharged from hospital 2 weeks ago and whilst at home had 2 really bad falls, whilst up in the A&E dept friday a Dr said she shouldn't have been sent home at all and she is back in Hospital, awaiting a course of medication and rehab.

I was wondering if anyone else know's anything about these jerks and what medication could help??

Many Thanks
Claire

[CG1975]

Hello,

Thanks for the advice, I have forwarded onto her, the correct name for her condition as I have just been informed is Post Anoxic Cerebral Myoclonus.  Not sure if that throws up any other information.

Thank you again, any information help
Claire

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for the post!
The jerks could be transient ischemic attacks due to brain ischemia. They could also be epilepsy. Your friend basically needs a brain MRI and EEG to rule out these two. After th e blood supply to brain is temporarily cut off for more than 3 mins, it leaves behind some neurological problems, once the person comes around.
It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!