Clinical presentations and phenomenology of myoclonus

Abstract

The term "myoclonus" has been used to describe heterogeneous phenomena involving sudden movements, but there is no generally accepted, precise definition of myoclonus. Myoclonus can often be classified based on electroencephalographic (EEG) and/or electromyographic (EMG) data. Some myoclonic epilepsy syndromes, including juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, may frequently be misdiagnosed because of failure to obtain a complete patient history and/or failure to appreciate characteristic EEG changes. A good understanding of the features associated with myoclonic disorders (particularly the myoclonic epilepsies) and of features associated with other neurologic disorders that are often confused with myoclonic disorders is an invaluable aid in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and will ultimately help in determining the best course of treatment for patients.