Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
myoclonus
Pronunciation: MY-oh-kloh-nus
Brief, sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that can affect any part of the body.
Full Definition
Myoclonus manifests as quick, shock-like muscle jerks that can be focal, multifocal, or generalized. These movements can occur at rest, during action, or in response to stimuli. Myoclonus can be physiological (like hiccups), essential (benign), or symptomatic of underlying neurological disorders such as epilepsy, metabolic disorders, or neurodegenerative diseases. The classification includes cortical, subcortical, and spinal forms.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from other brief movements by the sudden, shock-like quality.
In Context
- "The patient developed stimulus-sensitive myoclonus following the anoxic brain injury." — Neurology consultation
- "Cortical myoclonus was confirmed by the characteristic EEG correlate." — Neurophysiology study
Also known as
myoclonic jerks
Contrasted with
sustained muscle contraction
Don't confuse with
tics
fasciculations
tremor