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Myoclonus

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Myoclonus is the shock-like contraction of a muscle or a group of muscles. Often contractions occur symmetrically in muscles on opposite sides of the body.

Likely causes depend on whether the myoclonus is generalised, or focal and localised to one part of the body:

  • generalised myoclonus:
    • certain encephalopathies, e.g. occurring in metabolic disorders, encephalitis lethargica
    • epilepsy
    • benign essential myoclonus: this condition may be autosomal dominant and may have an onset in childhood.

  • focal myoclonus:
    • viral myelitis
    • rarely, if disruption of the deep nuclear connections of the cerebellum

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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