Korean J Anesthesiol.  2002 Mar;42(3):422-425. 10.4097/kjae.2002.42.3.422.

The Effects of Thoracic Sympathetic Ganglion Block and Gabapentin in a Patient with Myokymia and Neuropathic Pain after a Thoracotomy

• Joo JD
• Kim DW
• Kang YJ
• Jeon YS
• Kim YS
• In JH
• Ryu YB
• Lim YG

• KMID: 2031972
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2002.42.3.422

Abstract

Myokymia is one of involuntary movement, which is characterized by undulatory muscle spasm, similar to the worm's crawl. Sometimes muscle pain, itchy sensation, dysautonomia and other symptoms are associated with it. Derangement of the peripheral or central nervous system after nerve or tissue damage is suspected as the source of impulse generators causing this symptom. We encountered a patient with neuropathic pain and myokymia after thoracotomy. Although several medications and nerve blocks have been applied, all have failed to provide symptom relief. We experienced improvement of the pain and involuntary movement with a thoracic sympathetic ganglion block and gabapentin.

Keyword

Gabapentin; myokymia; neuropathic pain

MeSH Terms

Central Nervous System
Dyskinesias
Ganglia, Sympathetic*
Humans
Myalgia
Myokymia*
Nerve Block
Neuralgia*
Primary Dysautonomias
Sensation
Spasm
Thoracotomy*