[Myoclonus resulting from high-dose epidural and intravenous morphine infusion].

BACKGROUND

Myoclonus is a possible side effect of opioid therapy, and have been described following systemic as well as spinal application.

CASE REPORT: We report the case of a patient with metastatic carcinoma of the rectum who developed myoclonus following administration of high-dose epidural combined with iv morphine. This complication occurred with maximum daily doses of 300 mg epidurally and 80 mg intravenously and disappeared completely after dose reduction. Treatment trials are presented, the pathophysiology of the myoclonus is discussed.

CONCLUSION

For treatment of opioid-induced myoclonus a dose reduction or a change of the opioid should be considered as well as symptomatic treatment with benzodiazepines or baclofen.