Symptom Finder - Myoclonus
MYOCLONUS
The differential diagnosis of this sign is similar to that of tremors but a few additional possibilities should be kept in mind. Idiopathic myoclonus epilepsy, petit mal epilepsy (with the petit mal triad), grand mal epilepsy, and hysteria are the important ones to remember. Congenital hypsarrhythmia may present with salaam seizures. Decerebrate states are associated with myoclonic jerks in which there are flexion of the arms and extension of the legs. Phenothiazine and other tranquilizers may cause myoclonus. L-Dopa will cause oculogyric crisis and smacking of lips. The workup of these conditions includes a skull x-ray, EEG (preferably sleep), possibly a CT scan, and, if there is no evidence of increased intracranial pressure, a spinal tap. It is recommended that the patient be referred to a neurologist for this workup.
The differential diagnosis of this sign is similar to that of tremors but a few additional possibilities should be kept in mind. Idiopathic myoclonus epilepsy, petit mal epilepsy (with the petit mal triad), grand mal epilepsy, and hysteria are the important ones to remember. Congenital hypsarrhythmia may present with salaam seizures. Decerebrate states are associated with myoclonic jerks in which there are flexion of the arms and extension of the legs. Phenothiazine and other tranquilizers may cause myoclonus. L-Dopa will cause oculogyric crisis and smacking of lips. The workup of these conditions includes a skull x-ray, EEG (preferably sleep), possibly a CT scan, and, if there is no evidence of increased intracranial pressure, a spinal tap. It is recommended that the patient be referred to a neurologist for this workup.