Effectiveness of Combining Behavioral Treatment With Valproic Acid for Dysphagia Caused by Palatal Myoclonus in Patients With Stroke: Two Case Reports

• Main Authors: Bo-Ram Kim, Yejin Lee, Soo Jin Kim, Hyuntae Kim, Jong Won Lee, Seunghwan Lee, Jongmin Lee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine 2018-02-01
• Series: Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
• Subjects: Deglutition disorders; Palatal myoclonus; Valproic acid; Behavioral therapy
• Online Access: http://www.e-arm.org/upload/pdf/arm-42-180.pdf

Palatal myoclonus (PM) is a rare disease that may induce dysphagia. Since dysphagia related to PM is unique and is characterized by myoclonic movements of the involved muscles, specific treatments are needed for rehabilitation. However, no study has investigated the treatment effectiveness for this condition. Therefore, the aim of this case report was to describe the benefit of combining behavioral treatment with valproic acid administration in patients with dysphagia triggered by PM. The two cases were treated with combined treatment. The outcomes evaluated by videofluoroscopic swallowing studies before and after the treatment showed significant decreases in myoclonic movements and improved swallowing function. We conclude that the combined treatment was effective against dysphagia related to PM.