AIDS DEMENTIA COMPLEX WITH GENERALIZED MYOCLONUS

Focal and segmental, but not generalized, myoclonus have been describe d with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We describe three patients with generalized myoclonus and acquired immunodeficiency syn drome (AIDS) dementia complex. In each, myoclonus persisted until deat h, invariably after a course of a few months. In two patients, myoclon us was elicited by sudden auditory stimuli and resembled a startle res ponse. This form of myoclonus may be subcortical in origin. We suggest that the AIDS dementia complex be included among the causes of myoclo nic dementia.