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Myoclonus

Willi Gerschlager1, Peter Brown

  • 1Krankenhaus Hietzing mit Neurologischem Zentrum Rosenhügel, Vienna, Austria.

Current Opinion in Neurology
|May 30, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Recent developments in myoclonus research have clarified causes and natural history for conditions like myoclonic dystonia and epilepsy. New insights into primary progressive myoclonus of aging are also emerging.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Movement Disorders

Background:

  • Myoclonus encompasses a range of involuntary muscle jerks.
  • Understanding the diverse etiologies and clinical presentations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in the field of myoclonus.
  • To synthesize new findings on myoclonic syndromes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on myoclonus.
  • Analysis of clinical features, pathophysiology, and natural history.

Main Results:

  • Extended clinical features and defined pathophysiology of myoclonic dystonia.
  • Clarified causes of jerky tremor and orthostatic myoclonus, emphasizing drug-induced possibilities.
  • Improved understanding of the natural history of myoclonus with epilepsy, suggesting a potentially more benign course.
  • Identified primary progressive myoclonus of aging as a potential new entity.

Conclusions:

  • Significant progress in characterizing myoclonic syndromes, particularly those associated with dystonia and epilepsy.
  • Therapeutic options for myoclonus remain limited.
  • Functional neurosurgery may offer future therapeutic avenues for severe myoclonic syndromes.

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