Tramadol Induced Jerks

Myoclonus is a sudden, involuntary jerking of a muscle or a group of muscles. Myoclonus may present in form of a pattern or, sporadically and infrequently. It is usually associated with neurological disorders such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis or infections, and tumors of the central nervous system. Myoclonus is not commonly known to be caused by tramadol. We present a case of a 59-year-old male who developed myoclonus in the muscles of his trunk, 10 days after initiating tramadol for chronic pain. The myoclonus disappeared after withholding the medication. The purpose of this case report is to make clinicians aware of a rare reversible side effect from the use of tramadol.