Myoclonus, Myokmia
in Multiple Sclerosis
Myoclonus (Muscle Twitching)
Myoclonus jerks can be quite normal. Hiccoughs (hiccups) are a form of myoclonus spasm, the twitches you get when falling asleep are also an example of normal myoclonus jerks.
However, more severe muscle twitching is often associated with problems in the central nervous system and neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, head or spinal cord injury.
This is not unlike Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) a name coined by Professor Karl-Axel Ekbom in 1944, For this reason the condition may also be referred to as "Ekbom's Disease". RLS is a neurological disorder with unpleasant sensations in the legs, often described as burning, creeping, tugging or insects crawling inside the leg. Often called paraesthesia (abnormal sensation) or dysesthesia (unpleasant abnormal sensation) this can range in severity from uncomfortable to painful.
My experience began with occasional leg twitching. However the myoclonic jerks are now so pronounced, when I am trying to fall asleep, that I have been prescribed temazapam to aid sleep and subdue the palsy.
Treatments
Tranquillising or anti-epilepsy drugs are often used to treat myoclonus:
- Clonazepam
- Piracetam
- Sodium Valproate
- Phenytoin
- Primidone
Myokmia
Is a form of muscle twitching that affects facial muscles, specifically the eyelids.
References:
Multiple
Sclerosis Encyclopaedia
Persistent facial myokmia
Myoclonus
Fact Sheet
DISCLAIMER: The content of this site does not represent a qualified medical opinion. It is simply the information amassed by an MS patient while trying to understand this condition. You should seek the advice of your medical practitioner or neurologist before trying any treatment you may read about on this site. I am not a doctor, I am a patient.
This site is hosted by names.co.uk and the domain name has been registered with them. I have found them to be reasonably priced, helpful and reliable. So, if you are looking for domain name registration or web site hosting, click the above banner.
