Gabapentin-induced Facial Myoclonus in the Setting of Acute on Chronic Kidney Disease

An 82-year-old male with chronic kidney disease presented to the emergency department with sudden onset of left sided facial myoclonus. Myoclonus is a rare, but known side effect of gabapentin; however, there does not appear to be documented cases of gabapentin-induced facial myoclonus described in the emergency medicine literature. This case discusses the emergency department evaluation and inpatient treatment of gabapentin-induced facial myoclonus in the setting of acute on chronic kidney disease. Though rare, side effects of gabapentin should remain on a broad differential diagnosis in patients taking the medication who present with myoclonus, especially in the setting of chronic kidney disease.