Startle myoclonus induced by Lyme neuroborreliosis: a case report.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The normal startle response is a form of physiological myoclonus. Its anatomic origin is probably the brain stem. Pathologic startles are defined as reproducible exaggerated startle responses to trivial and not surprising stimuli. Symptomatic forms of an exaggerated startle response can be due to a variety of brain stem disorders. We have, however, found scant data about an exaggerated startle reflex induced by Lyme neuroborreliosis. We therefore report the case of a patient with this unusual presentation.

Case presentation

A 69-year old Caucasian man presented with a two-week history of a pronounced startle myoclonus, as well as a four-week history of double vision, gait disturbance and severe lancinating pain in his upper thoracic region. Neurological examinat

SUBMITTER: Schoof J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3667138 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature