What is reticular reflex myoclonus?
Reticular Reflex Myoclonus Myoclonic jerks are triggered by voluntary movement or an external stimulus and usually affect the whole body, with muscles on both sides of the body affected simultaneously.
Can muscle spasms be seizures?
Myoclonic seizures are characterized by brief, jerking spasms of a muscle or muscle group. They often occur with atonic seizures, which cause sudden muscle limpness.
How do you treat myoclonic jerks?
Treatment
- Tranquilizers. Clonazepam (Klonopin), a tranquilizer, is the most common drug used to combat myoclonus symptoms. Clonazepam may cause side effects such as loss of coordination and drowsiness.
- Anticonvulsants. Drugs used to control epileptic seizures have proved helpful in reducing myoclonus symptoms.
What is multifocal myoclonus?
Myoclonus in PME is multifocal, typically involving the distal limbs and face and is provoked by posture or action. It is sensitive to touch, noise and light [Shahwan et al. 2005]. Patients are typically severely disabled by their action myoclonus.
Does myoclonus worsen?
Progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME) is a group of disorders characterized by myoclonic seizures and other neurologic symptoms such as trouble walking or speaking. These rare disorders often get worse over time and sometimes are fatal.
What is the difference between muscle spasms and a seizure?
An epileptic spasm is a sudden flexion, extension or mixed flexion-extension of proximal and truncal muscles, lasting 1-2 seconds i.e. longer than a myoclonic jerk (which lasts milliseconds) but not as long as a tonic seizure (which lasts > 2 seconds).
What seizures affect the muscles?
The muscles of the arms and legs stiffen during the first part of the seizure, called the tonic part. Then, the muscles of the arms, legs and face begin to jerk during the second phase of the seizure, known as the clonic part. Some patients may only experience one part of the seizure. Others may experience both.