Myoclonus

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Myoclonus

Myoclonus (pronounced: my-uh-KLOH-nuhs) is a medical condition characterized by sudden, brief, involuntary muscle jerks or twitches. The term is derived from the Greek words "myo," meaning muscle, and "clonus," meaning a violent, irregular motion.

Definition

Myoclonus refers to a quick, involuntary muscle jerk. For example, hiccups are a form of myoclonus. So are the sudden jerks, or "sleep starts," you may experience just before falling asleep. These forms of myoclonus occur in healthy people and are called physiologic myoclonus.

Types

There are several types of myoclonus, including:

  • Sleep myoclonus: This occurs during the initial phases of sleep, especially at the moment of dropping off to sleep.
  • Essential myoclonus: This type occurs on its own, without being associated with any illness or condition.

Causes

Myoclonus may be caused by a variety of underlying problems, such as neurological disorders, genetic disorders, metabolic conditions, or reactions to medication.

Treatment

Treatment for myoclonus involves medications that may help reduce symptoms. The drug of choice will depend on the type of myoclonus and the underlying cause. In some cases, treating the underlying cause may resolve the myoclonus.

See Also

External links

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