Myoclonus in the Post-Operative Period: A Case Report

Involuntary movements/myoclonus are brief, short-lived jerky movements and a complication in the post-operative period are seen following central neuraxial blockade causing distress to the patient but is usually self-limiting. We wish to bring cognizance among fellow anesthesiologists regarding this possible, extremely rare complication and also review the available work for its cause and management.
Post-spinal myoclonus was witnessed in a young adult patient in their twenties who underwent closed reduction and internal fixation for a right femur shaft fracture under combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia. The patient developed involuntary jerky movements of the right foot 8 hours after the subarachnoid block gradually reduced in the next 24 hours. After ruling out other possible causes of myoclonus, the case was followed up and discharged on postoperative day 5. Post spinal myoclonus though a rare complication can be distressing to the patient and the doctor. It is a self-limiting complication with no residual effects.