Pregabalin-induced cortical negative myoclonus in a patient with neuropathic pain

Myoclonus is a well-known side effect of anticonvulsant drugs. Pregabalin is one of the newer drugs approved for the treatment of focal epilepsies. Frequently it is also used to treat chronic pain syndromes. We describe a patient who, after receiving his first dose of pregabalin to relieve neuropathic pain, presented with a negative myoclonus. Clinical aspects and electrophysiological data such as polygraphic studies, electroencephalography, and measurement of somatosensory evoked potentials support the cortical origin of negative myoclonus. Our findings reveal that even in patients without a history of seizures, pregabalin can cause a cortical negative myoclonus. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.