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Related Experiment Videos

Cortical reflex myoclonus studied with cortical electrodes.

P Ashby1, R Chen, R Wennberg

  • 1Playfair Neuroscience Unit, Toronto Hospital, Western Division, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. pashby@playfair.utoronto.ca

Clinical Neurophysiology : Official Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology
|September 9, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Cortical reflex myoclonus originates in the motor cortex, characterized by abnormal neuronal excitability or synchronization. Surgical removal of the affected cortical area eliminated the myoclonic jerks.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neurology
  • Cortical excitability studies

Background:

  • Cortical reflex myoclonus is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle jerks.
  • Understanding the precise mechanisms and origin of cortical reflex myoclonus is crucial for effective treatment.

Observation:

  • A patient with stimulus-sensitive myoclonus underwent subdural electrode placement over the sensorimotor cortex.
  • Electrical stimulation and back-averaging techniques were used to map cortical activity.
  • Surgical removal of the affected cortical region under electrode 13 successfully abolished the myoclonus.

Findings:

  • Myoclonic jerks were found to originate from the motor cortex, indicated by a premovement potential that reversed polarity at a specific cortical site.
  • Stimulation studies revealed increased excitability or synchronization of cortical neurons.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Recurrent cortical potentials and myoclonic jerks occurred independently of I-wave circuitry.

    • Implications:

    • These findings suggest the motor cortex as the primary source of cortical reflex myoclonus.
    • The study highlights the role of abnormal cortical excitability in the generation of myoclonus.
    • Targeted surgical intervention in the motor cortex may be a viable treatment option for refractory cases.