Myoclonus Definition
Myoclonus is a medical symptom marked by a brief, involuntary twitching of a muscle or a group of muscles, often caused by contractions of the muscle as a result of brief lapses in concentration.
Myoclonus Treatment
Treatment for myoclonus focuses on symptom reduction. The complex characteristics of myoclonus may require the administering of a combination of several drugs for an effective healing process. Clonazepam, a type of benzodiazepine, is usually the drug of choice. Most drugs prescribed for myoclonus - including barbiturates, primidone, and phenytoin - are also used in epilepsy treatment. Barbiturares has a tranquelizing effect on the nervous system, whereas primidone and phenytoin work as antiepileptic medication. An alternative treatment is sodium valproate, which can be used alone or with clonazepam.
Myoclonus Symptoms and Signs
Myoclonic jerks may be described as erratic "jumps". These seizures typically result from a rapid muscular contraction and relaxation. Muscle contractions are known as positive myoclonus, whereas relaxations are known as negative myoclonus. In general, healthy individuals usually experience this symptom while sleeping (hypnic jerk). Hiccups, too, are a form of myoclonic jerk in the diaphragm which people normally experience. However, to a larger scale, myoclonic twitching may be indicative of other serious nervous system disorders. In epileptic patients, myoclonus can cause abnormal movements simultaneously on both sides of the body. In reflex epilepsies, myoclonic seizures can be triggered by flashing lights or abrupt environmental factors. Acute pathological cases can result in distorted movement and a severe limitation in the patient's ability to sleep, eat, talk, and walk.
Myoclonus Causes
Myoclonic jerks may occur singly or sequentially, with or without a pattern, frequently or infrequently. Although myoclonus can occur by itself, Myoclonus is more commonly a sign of a wide range of neurological disorders; including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and some forms of epilepsy. Myoclonus may be caused by lesions of the cortex, subcortex, or spinal cord. It may also result from an infection, a stroke, brain tumors, liver or kidney failure, lipid storage disease, chemical or drug poisoning, or other disorders.
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Natural treatment for myoclonus