Clinical Utility of Neurophysiologic Classification (and Declassification) of Myoclonus

Movement clinical neurophysiology studies can distinguish myoclonus, tremor, and other jerky movements; however, there has been limited demonstration of their real-world clinical impact.

The aim was to investigate movement study utility in clarifying movement classification and guiding patient management.

A retrospective study of myoclonus-related movement studies was performed.

Of 262 patients referred for consideration of myoclonus, 105 (40%) had myoclonus, 156 (59%) had no myoclonus (the commonest alternative classifications were functional jerks and tremor), and 1 was uncertain. An additional 29 studies identified myoclonus without prior clinical suspicion. A total of 119 of 134 (89%) myoclonus patients had a specific neurophysiologic subtype identified, most commonly cortical (64, 54%). Diagnostic differential narrowed in 60% of patients, and a new diagnosis was made in 42 (14%) patients. Medication changes were made in 151 patients (52%), with improvement in 35 of 51 (67%) with follow-up.

Movement studies effectively determined movement classification and identified unsuspected myoclonus, leading to changes in diagnosis and management. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.