Myoclonus is a brief and rapid twitching of a muscle or muscle groups. The twitching or jerking happens suddenly. It cannot be stopped or controlled at will.
There are different types. Some occur normally, like the hiccups or a movement while falling asleep. Other types are abnormal. The condition is classified according to:
The movements are caused by an abnormal electrical discharge in the nervous system. The electrical discharge may originate in the:
The message travels along the nerves to the muscle. The nerve stimulates a muscle or group of muscles to suddenly contract.
The exact mechanism triggering the abnormal electrical discharge depends on the cause. Myoclonus is often a symptom of a nervous system or metabolic condition. Possible causes include:
Myoclonic symptoms vary from mild to severe. This depends on the cause of the problem. It may begin in childhood or adulthood. The unexpected jerking or twitching may occur once in a while or often. It may be limited to one region of the body or affect all muscle groups.
Light, sound, touch, or movement may be triggers. Or, it may happen for no clear reason. Movements can occur at rest or during other movements. There may be one or a series of twitches. Sometimes the jerking occurs in a pattern. Other times there is no pattern. Myoclonus can become so severe that it interferes with eating, speaking, or walking.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. She will also do a physical exam. Your doctor will try to determine the following:
Tests may include:
Treatment aims to reduce how severe the involuntary movements are. The drugs given depend on the underlying cause. In some case, multiple drugs are needed to reduce twitching. Some have serious side effects.
Taking these steps may help to reduce your chance of myoclonus:
RESOURCES:
Myoclonus Research Foundation
http://www.myoclonus.com/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Canadian Brain and Nerve Health Coalition
http://cann.ca/report_cbanhc.php/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
References:
American College of Physicians. Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine . Birmingham, AL: Oakstone Medical; 1998.
Cecil RL, Goldman L, Bennett JC. Cecil Textbook of Medicine . 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2000.
Dalmau J, Rosenfeld MR. Paraneoplastic syndromes of the CNS. Lancet Neurology. 2008;7:327-340.
Goetz CG, Pappert EJ. Textbook of Clinical Neurology . Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 1999.
Goroll A, Mulley AG. Primary Care Medicine . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins; 2000.
Harrison TR, Braunwald E. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine . 14th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2000.
Myoclonus and its disorders. Neurologic Clinics . August 2001.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Rimas Lukas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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