Melatonin treatment of non-epileptic myoclonus in children

Oral melatonin (MLT) has been used by our Vancouver research group in the t reatment of paediatric sleep disorders since 1991; slightly over 200 childr en, mainly with multiple disabilities, who frequently had seizures, have be en treated. Three children with markedly delayed sleep onset due to recurri ng myoclonus were also referred for MLT treatment: two had non-epileptic, a nd one had epileptic and non-epileptic myoclonus. Low doses of oral MLT (3 to 5 mg) unexpectedly abolished their myoclonus and allowed them to sleep. There were no adverse effects. It appears that certain types of myoclonus, which might be resistant to conventional anticonvulsant medications, may re spond to MLT but the mechanism of action is unclear. Further research on th is novel treatment is urgently needed.