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Propriospinal myoclonus: evidence for spinal "pattern" generators in humans
P Brown1, J C Rothwell, P D Thompson
1MRC Human Movement and Balance Unit, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, U.K.
Movement Disorders : Official Journal of the Movement Disorder Society
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Cervical trauma may trigger propriospinal myoclonus by releasing a spinal pattern generator. This generator recruits muscles via long pathways, causing rhythmic jerking movements.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurophysiology
- Spinal Cord Injury
Background:
- Propriospinal myoclonus is a rare movement disorder.
- Its etiology and underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and electrophysiological features of propriospinal myoclonus.
- To investigate the potential role of cervical trauma in its development.
Main Methods:
- Case series describing eight patients with propriospinal myoclonus.
- Clinical examination and electromyography (EMG) were utilized.
Main Results:
- Half of the patients developed myoclonus shortly after cervical trauma.
- Observed jerky movements involved axial flexion or extension.
- EMG showed repetitive bursts (1-7 Hz), sometimes rhythmic in abdominal and paraspinal muscles.
Conclusions:
- Cervical trauma may lead to the partial release of a spinal pattern generator.
- This generator can recruit muscles through propriospinal pathways, creating rhythmic activity.