Orphan SA :: Myoclonus

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      This patient educational material on this website does not provide all available information about this condition and is not intended as a substitute for seeking professional medical care and advice. If you have any further questions or concerns, please discuss them with your doctor.

      MYOCLONUS

      What is Myoclonus?
      Myoclonus, is term that is commonly used to describe both a symptom and as well as a disease. Myoclonus is described as a brief, shock-like muscle jerk that is produced by a brief, positive muscle contraction (the terms myo and clonus, respectively mean “muscle” and “jerk”). It can occur spontaneously at rest or during voluntary movements. The jerks and muscle contractions can appear in sequence, alone, patterns, or infrequently without any patterns.

      What causes Myoclonus? What are the signs and symptoms of Myoclonus?
      Myoclonus activity is produced in response to stimulation from the central nervous system, or with voluntary movements.

      The various causes of this condition or symptom have been linked to a wide variety of metabolic and neurologic disorders. The extent and set of signs and symptoms that the affected patient experiences, depends on what the underlying medical cause is. Examples of some these conditions are shown below.

      • Posthypoxic intention myoclonus – this is a special myoclonic syndrome that occurs as a sequel to transient cerebral anoxia (as a result of insufficient oxygen supply to the brain).

      • Palatal myoclonus - is a form of tremor resulting from a lesion in the dentato-olivocerebellar circuit. The term palatal refers to the roof of the mouth.

      • Action myoclonus - is at term used to describe myoclonus that develops after severe closed head trauma or hypoxic-ischaemic-brain injury (deficiency of blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain region).

      • Nocturnal myoclonus – person experiences myoclonus when he/she falls asleep.

      • Common hiccup (singultus) - is a form of myoclonus affecting the diaphragmatic muscles.

       

      However, Myoclonus may also result from:

      • Lipid (fat) storage diseases

      • Encephalitis (infection of the brain)

      • Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

      • Multiple Sclerosis

      • Parkinson’s disease

      • Alzheimer’s disease

      • Metabolic encephalopathies due to lung function failure, chronic kidney failure, liver failure, or electrolyte imbalance, and

      • Lastly myoclonus is also a feature of certain types of epilepsy.

       

      Are there other diseases associated with Myoclonus?
      Myoclonus has been described most commonly as a symptom of several medical disorders. Most often myoclonus is one of several symptoms in a wide variety of nervous system disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and of other conditions.

      How is Myoclonus diagnosed?
      The diagnosis of myoclonus is based on identifying the region of the nervous system that is affected, and determining what the underlying cause or medical condition is.

      What is the prognosis?
      Although myoclonus is not a life-threatening condition, it may result in serious, debilitating impairments. Severe cases of pathologic myoclonus can distort movement and severely limit a person’s ability to eat, talk, and walk.

      What treatment options are there? Can Myoclonus be treated?
      Treatment of myoclonus consists of medications that may help reduce symptoms. The complex origins of myoclonus may require the use of multiple drugs for effective treatment. Treatment should begin with correction of underlying medical abnormalities.

      Various medications are available to treat myoclonus and/or assist in relieving some of the symptoms of the condition; your doctor will be able to advise you on this.

      Remember, your doctor is the best source of information regarding you and your health. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health, your condition or your medication.

      Where can I find more information about this condition or support organisations?
      Additional information is available from the following website(s):

      www.myoclonus.com

      The information is intended for use only by customers, patients and health care professionals within Australia. Countries outside Australia may have regulatory and legal requirements, and available medical treatments, which are different than those in Australia.
       
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