What triggers myoclonus?

Stimulus-sensitive myoclonus is triggered by various external events, including noise, movement, and light. Being surprised may increase the sensitivity of the individual. Sleep myoclonus (or hypnic myoclonus) occurs during sleep and sleep transitions, often as one is dropping off to sleep.

How do you treat myoclonus?

Treatment of myoclonus focuses on medications that may help reduce symptoms. The drug of first choice is clonazepam, a type of tranquilizer. Many of the drugs used for myoclonus, such as barbiturates, phenytoin, and primidone, are also used to treat epilepsy.

When do myoclonic jerks happen?

This type of myoclonic epilepsy typically begins between the ages of 3 and 12 months and may persist for several years. Infantile spasms typically consist of a sudden jerk followed by stiffening. During the characteristic seizures (spasms), the child’s arms fling outward as the knees pull up and the body bends forward.

What do myoclonic jerks look like?

Myoclonic (MY-o-KLON-ik) seizures are brief, shock-like jerks of a muscle or a group of muscles. “Myo” means muscle and “clonus” (KLOH-nus) means rapidly alternating contraction and relaxation—jerking or twitching—of a muscle. Usually they don’t last more than a second or two.

What does myoclonus feel like?

Myoclonus is the medical term for brief, involuntary muscle twitching or jerking. Myoclonus comes on suddenly. It’s not a disease but a sign of another condition. People who experience myoclonic twitches or jerks have muscles that unexpectedly tighten or contract (positive myoclonus) or relax (negative myoclonus).

What medications can cause myoclonus?

The most frequently reported classes of drugs causing myoclonus include opiates, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and antibiotics.

What happens if myoclonus goes untreated?

Mental function may be impaired, leading especially to problems with memory. Depression is not uncommon. It can become severe and should not be left untreated. Other problems may include a bladder abnormality that may be associated with urinary tract infection.