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Segmental spinal myoclonus and syringomyelia: A case report
S M Gregoire1, P Laloux, P Hanson
1Department of Neurology, Mont-Godinne University Hospital, Belgium.
Acta Neurologica Belgica
|June 17, 2006
Summary
This case study details spinal myoclonus, involuntary muscle jerks, in a 75-year-old woman. Findings link these abdominal jerks to a thoracic spinal cord cavity, suggesting a rare syringomyelia connection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Neuroscience
Background:
- Spinal myoclonus (SM) is a rare movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle jerks originating from the spinal cord.
- Syringomyelia, a condition involving a fluid-filled cyst within the spinal cord, can sometimes be associated with neurological deficits.
Observation:
- A 75-year-old woman presented with spontaneous and triggered involuntary jerks of her abdominal musculature.
- Electromyography (EMG) revealed abnormal, synchronous, and bilateral muscle activity in the abdominal, thoracic paraspinal, and intercostal muscles.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine identified a syringomyelic cavity extending from the T3 to T10 vertebral levels.
Findings:
- The observed muscle activity patterns and their anatomical distribution correlated with the syringomyelic cavity.
- The findings were consistent with segmental spinal myoclonus (SSM) originating from the thoracic spinal cord.
- This case highlights a rare association between syringomyelia and SSM.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of neurological manifestations associated with syringomyelia.
- It underscores the importance of considering spinal etiologies for unexplained myoclonus.
- Further research into the pathophysiology of syringomyelia-induced spinal myoclonus is warranted.