Abstract

Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus (BNSM) is the occurrence of myoclonus (jerky movements) during sleep. It is not associated with seizures.

Occurs in the first few weeks of life, usually resolves in first 2–3 months of life. Often worries parents because they appear like seizures, but they are not. Features that can help distinguish this condition from seizures include: The myoclonic movements only occur during sleep, when baby is woken up the myoclonic movements stop, normal EEG, normal neurological examination, normal developmental examination. The myoclonic jerks occur during non-REM sleep