Diagnosis of chronic post-hypoxic myoclonus in near hanging survivor: Case report

Abstract

A 39-year-old male, who attempted suicide by hanging, developed chronic myoclonus with intact cognitive function. Chronic post-hypoxic myoclonus is a rare syndrome that may develop after a respiratory arrest and it presents as late onset and persistent purposeful myoclonus with preserved or slightly impaired cognitive function. Increasing critical care nurses’ awareness of chronic post-hypoxic myoclonus will lead to earlier diagnosis of this rare syndrome.