Hypnic Jerks

[Ryan-H]

I wanted to share with you an anecdote. My brother was excited to try kava as an alternative to alcohol. He bought several different strains from a reputable vendor and proceeded to try them out. On the first night, he was kept awake by hypnic jerks. He continued trying different kava over the next two weeks, with the hypnic jerks worsening, persisting into daily life and even work. He discontinued ,and the hypnic jerks continued to cause him grief for nearly six months afterwards, only gradually diminishing. I wonder if kava reduced his seizure threshold? I've only come across this account of someone else with the experience. It's a shame because he quite liked kava but micro seizures were not an acceptable side effect http://kavaforums.com/forum/threads/kava-night-sweats-and-hypnic-jerk.1823/

 

[Zac Imiola (Herbalist)]

Hmm. That's kind of like the insomnia I was having but no jerks more just not sleeping fully.

This is definitely an interesting consideration...
Was your brother drinking heavily before hand ?

 

[Intrepidus_dux]

This is interesting that your brother experienced this in the day time since these jerks are defined as occurring at night, though I didn't research this in depth. Is this why you said maybe kava reduced his seizure threshold? As a layman, I think it's possible but not common. Do you think he may have been having partial seizures? There have been people who have migraines triggered from kava. Kava does affect brain chemistry. Six months is a long time! I wonder what happened that would cause such a long duration. Was he evaluated by a specialist during this time? Paging @BulamamatoNCIRVCKKPC , they may be able to help, possessing a degree in chemicals in the body among other things.