Myoclonus is a term used to describe sudden, quick, and involuntary muscle twitches or jerks. These movements can happen in any part of the body and are usually brief. Sometimes, myoclonus is harmless, like the muscle twitch you might feel just as you fall asleep. Other times, it can be a sign of a more serious health problem.
There are many different types of myoclonus. Some people experience myoclonic jerks as part of a seizure disorder, such as juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. In this condition, jerking movements often happen when a person wakes up, and they may also have other kinds of seizures. Myoclonus can also occur after a person has had a stroke or any condition that temporarily cuts off blood and oxygen to the brain. This is sometimes called Lance-Adams syndrome.
Another type of myoclonus is linked to certain brain disorders. For example, palatal myoclonus affects the muscles in the roof of the mouth and is often caused by damage to a specific pathway in the brainstem. Myoclonus can also be seen in rare conditions like opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome, which is sometimes connected to cancer or infections and can cause not only muscle jerks but also problems with eye movement and balance.
In some cases, myoclonus is a normal part of life and does not need treatment. But if the jerks are frequent, strong, or interfere with daily activities, it is important to see a doctor. Myoclonus can be a symptom of many different conditions, so a proper diagnosis is needed to understand the cause and find the right treatment.
Sources
https://www.medlink.com/articles/paraneoplastic-opsoclonus-myoclonus-syndrome-in-adults
https://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/what-is-juvenile-myoclonic-epilepsy
https://www.tabers.com/tabersonline/view/Tabers-Dictionary/764259/0/Lance_Adams_syndrome?q=patient
https://smart.dhgate.com/night-muscle-twitches-causes-types-and-when-to-worry/
https://www.droracle.ai/articles/446263/what-causes-palatal-myoclonus
https://neurosymptoms.org/en/factsheets/functional-myoclonus/
