Myoclonus refers to sudden, brief involuntary twitching or jerking of a muscle or group of muscles. It describes a clinical sign and is not itself a disease. The twitching cannot be stopped or controlled by the person experiencing it. Myoclonus can begin in
childhood or adulthood, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Myoclonic twitches or jerks are caused by: Myoclonic jerks may occur: Myoclonus can be broadly categorized into: top Myoclonus may be caused: Myoclonus can occur by itself or as one of several
symptoms associated with a wide variety of nervous system disorders. For example, myoclonic jerks may develop in individuals with multiple sclerosis or epilepsy, and with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Myoclonus may also be seen in conjunction with infection, head or spinal cord injury, stroke, brain tumors, kidney or liver failure, chemical or drug intoxication, or metabolic disorders. Prolonged oxygen deprivation
to the brain, called hypoxia, may lead to post-hypoxic myoclonus. top Classifying myoclonus is difficult because the causes and responses to therapy vary widely. Some of the commonly described types are: top Studies suggest that the following locations in the brain are involved in myoclonus: However, the specific mechanisms underlying
myoclonus are not yet fully understood: Neurotransmitters carry
messages between nerve cells. They are released by one nerve cell and attach to a protein called a receptor on neighboring (receiving) cells. Abnormalities or deficiencies in receptors for certain neurotransmitters may contribute to some forms of myoclonus, including receptors for: More research is needed to determine how these receptor abnormalities cause or contribute to myoclonus. top How is myoclonus diagnosed?Following a review of the person’s medical history and physical exam, a physician may order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis of myoclonus:
top How is myoclonus treated?The first consideration is reversing or treating any underlying cause or origin of the myoclonus. However, many cases require symptomatic treatment if the myoclonus is disabling. Several options are available to help treat myoclonus:
top What research is being done?The mission of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease. NINDS is a component of the National Institutes of Health, the leading federal supporter of biomedical research in the world. As part of its mission, the NINDS supports research on myoclonus at its laboratories in Bethesda, Maryland and through grants to major research institutions across the country. In addition to NINDS, other NIH institutes and centers support research on movement disorders that include myoclonus. More information is available through the NIH RePORTER, a searchable database of current and previously funded research, as well as research results and publications. Many neurological disorders do not have effective treatment options. Clinical studies offer hope for many people and an opportunity to help researchers find better ways to safely detect, treat, or prevent disease. For more information about finding and participating in a clinical study, visit Clinicaltrials.gov. Use the search term “myoclonus” to find trials on this disorder. top Where can I get more information?The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke conducts and support a wide range of research on neurological disorders, including myoclonus. For information on other neurological disorders or research programs funded by the NINDS, contact in the Institute’s Brain Resources and Information Network (BRAIN) at: BRAIN Interested individuals may wish to contact the following organizations for additional information: National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) MedlinePlus Publication date: March 2021 NIH Publication No. 21-NS-4793 Back to: Myoclonus Information Page See a list of all NINDS disorders Publicaciones en Español: Los Mioclonos Prepared by: NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history. All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
What seizure is characterized by muscle spasms?Myoclonic seizures are characterized by brief, jerking spasms of a muscle or muscle group.
What are the 4 types of seizures?Tonic: Muscles in the body become stiff. Atonic: Muscles in the body relax. Myoclonic: Short jerking in parts of the body. Clonic: Periods of shaking or jerking parts on the body.
What is elliptic seizure?A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. It can cause changes in your behavior, movements or feelings, and in levels of consciousness. Having two or more seizures at least 24 hours apart that aren't brought on by an identifiable cause is generally considered to be epilepsy.
Why is it called Jacksonian seizure?It is a subtype of partial seizures. It was described in 1870 by John Hughling Jackson, an English neurologist.
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