Keywords
Myoclonus, CO2 Retention, Hypercapnia, Carbon Dioxide
Date of Presentation
5-1-2025 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Myoclonic jerking is a neurologic phenomenon characterized by sudden, involuntary muscle contractions. While often associated with neurological conditions, myoclonic jerking can also be observed in patients with significant carbon dioxide retention. This case report highlights the presentation of myoclonic jerking in a 77-year-old male with a history of sleep apnea and obesity, who presented to the emergency department with hypoxia and elevated carbon dioxide levels. Despite the lack of neurological deficits, the patient experienced intermittent myoclonic jerks of his hands, which were attributed to CO2 retention. The report underscores the importance of recognizing myoclonic jerking as a potential sign of hypercapnia in patients with chronic respiratory conditions.
Disciplines
Emergency Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences | Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms | Respiratory Tract Diseases | Sleep Medicine
Included in
Emergency Medicine Commons, Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Commons, Respiratory Tract Diseases Commons, Sleep Medicine Commons
Case Report: Hypercapnia's Hidden Dance: Myoclonus in a Patient with CO2 Retention
Myoclonic jerking is a neurologic phenomenon characterized by sudden, involuntary muscle contractions. While often associated with neurological conditions, myoclonic jerking can also be observed in patients with significant carbon dioxide retention. This case report highlights the presentation of myoclonic jerking in a 77-year-old male with a history of sleep apnea and obesity, who presented to the emergency department with hypoxia and elevated carbon dioxide levels. Despite the lack of neurological deficits, the patient experienced intermittent myoclonic jerks of his hands, which were attributed to CO2 retention. The report underscores the importance of recognizing myoclonic jerking as a potential sign of hypercapnia in patients with chronic respiratory conditions.
