Lance-Adams Syndrome: A Rare Neurological Condition Following Suicidal Hanging: A Case Report
Abstract
Background: Lance-Adams syndrome, also known as chronic hypoxic myoclonus, is a rare neurological condition following hypoxic brain injury.
Case Presentation: A 21-year-old female patient presented to the Emergency Room with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 6/15 and was intubated immediately. On the 4th day after regaining consciousness, she started to develop action-induced myoclonic jerks. Necessary examinations and investigations were done, after which the diagnosis of Lance-Adams syndrome was made. She was started on sodium valproate, and her symptoms improved on the 7th day of initiation of treatment.
Conclusion: In survivors of hanging with hypoxic brain injury, the development of sudden myoclonus after regaining consciousness for a few days should raise suspicion of Lance-Adams syndrome. Early recognition and treatment with antimyoclonic agents should be initiated.
Author Biographies
Prabidhi Adhikari, Department of Psychiatry, Nepalgunj Medical College
Resident
Mohan Belbase, Department of Psychiatry, Nepalgunj Medical College
Professor, HOD
Md. Ainuddin Bagban, Department of Psychiatry, Nepalgunj Medical College
Lecturer
How to Cite
Adhikari, P., Belbase, M., & Bagban, M. A. (2026). Lance-Adams Syndrome: A Rare Neurological Condition Following Suicidal Hanging: A Case Report. Journal of Psychiatrists’ Association of Nepal, 15(1), 37-40. https://doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v15i1.93391
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