[Neuropsychiatric findings in a case of paramyoclonus multiplex]

In a subject affected with multiple paramyoclonus, showing asyncronous, bilateral, intermittent, spontaneous myoclonic jerks, a neuro-psychiatric investigation was performed. Several day-time poligraphic recordings were normal, while the night-time ones showed the lack of myoclonic jerks throughout the sleep. Metrazol activation pointed out a probable hyperexcitability of brain stem reticular formation. The psychiatric investigation, performed with a psychodynamic approach let realize the existence of a distortion of neuro-psychological functions due to an impaired elaboration of emotional information and psycho-structuring engrams. The Authors conclude for a posible convergence of biological and psychological factors causing the clinical symptoms.