Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Excessive fragmentary myoclonus (EFM) consists of brief, asynchronous, twitch-like movements appearing asymmetrically in sleep. The new AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events identifies some EFM scoring criteria but does not provide amplitude criteria for scoring EFM. Older observational series have used 50 μVs. We report data from various amplitude criteria using blinded comparisons. METHODS: EFMs were analyzed on the polysomnograms of 8 patients (7 men and 1 woman, mean age 57 years, range: 47-79) using a standardized protocol for sensitivity, tonus threshold, impedance, amplitude measurements, and sleep stage. The first 20 minutes each of wake, Stage 1-2, SWS, and REM were analyzed. EFMs ≥ 25, ≥ 40, and ≥ 50 microvolts (μVs) in negative deflection above the baseline were counted in tibialis anterior muscle electromyography (EMG) channels bilaterally. RESULTS: The mean EFM index per minute for wake, regardless of impedance, was: 7.19 ± 5.90 for ≥ 25 μV amplitude; 2.43 ± 2.02 for ≥ 40 μVs; and 2.08 ± 2.23 for ≥ 50 μVs. For sleep stages, the EFM index by stage and amplitude criteria used for measurements were: Stage 1-2: 7.38 ± 5.79 for ≥ 25 μVs; 3.13 ± 3.33 for ≥ 40 μVs; and 2.36 ± 2.66 for ≥ 50 μVs; SWS: 10.05 ± 8.04 for ≥ 25 μVs; 2.71 ± 3.13 for ≥ 40 μVs; and 1.38 ± 1.92 for ≥ 50 μVs; Total REM: 15.96 ± 11.32 for ≥ 25 μVs; 6.32 ± 4.25 for ≥ 40 μVs; and 3.94 ± 3.73 for ≥ 50 μVs; Phasic REM: 19.69 ± 15.45 for ≥ 25 μVs; 8.63 ± 7.06 for ≥ 40 μVs; and 5.52 ± 6.44 for ≥ 50 μVs; Non-phasic REM: 13.93 ± 11.31 for ≥ 25 μVs; 5.16 ± 3.57 for ≥ 40 μVs; and 3.20 ± 2.92 for ≥ 50 μVs. CONCLUSION: EFM rates increase with SWS and total REM with the highest EFM rates occurring during phasic REM. EFM rates were increased across all sleep stages when impedance was > 30 KΩ.