$Unique_ID{BRK00413}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases, Musculoskeletal System and
Connective Tissue}
$Title{What is "Myoclonus"?}
$Subject{myoclonus spasm}
$Volume{N-18, M-18}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is "Myoclonus"?


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QUESTION:  My grandson has a problem diagnosed as "myoclonus".  I've never 
heard of it before and we are troubled for lack of knowledge about this 
condition.  Can you enlighten us?

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ANSWER:  Sometimes just knowing what a word means can help, and since that is
all the information you have given me, I will at least provide that.  The
Greeks get credit for this one as "myo" means "muscle" and "clonus" comes from
the Greek word for "turmoil".  Myoclonus means a brief, shock-like contraction
of a muscle or group of muscles.  It may be a normal event, and happens in
many individuals as they are falling asleep.  It may also be seen in epilepsy,
certain slow virus infections, like Alzheimer's Disease.  Some individuals
develop this symptom after sustaining a head injury, while the cause in other
lies with an imbalance in the body's metabolism.  The treatment will depend
upon the cause, and may include the use of medications called
anti-convulsants.  I suspect your children may know a bit more about the
causes in your grandchild.  Since this is causing you anxiety and anguish, why
not give them a call, and ask for the real low-down.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
