You'll probably first discuss your concerns with your primary care provider. Researchers continue to study deep brain stimulation for myoclonus.Įxplore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. The electrodes produce electrical signals to block the irregular impulses that can cause myoclonus. Electrodes are implanted within certain areas of the brain. People with myoclonus affecting parts of the face or ear also may benefit from surgery.ĭeep brain stimulation has been tried in some people with myoclonus and other movement disorders. If myoclonus symptoms are caused by a tumor or lesion in the brain or spinal cord, surgery may be an option. This treatment blocks the release of a chemical messenger that triggers muscle contractions. OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) injections may help treat various forms of myoclonus, particularly if only a single area is affected. Side effects from primidone may include sedation and nausea. Levetiracetam may cause side effects such as fatigue and dizziness. Valproic acid may cause side effects such as nausea. Piracetam is another anticonvulsant that's been found to be effective, but it's not available in the United States. The most common anticonvulsants used for myoclonus are levetiracetam (Keppra, Elepsia XR, Spritam), valproic acid, zonisamide (Zonegran, Zonisade) and primidone (Mysoline). Drugs used to control epileptic seizures may help reduce myoclonus symptoms. Clonazepam may cause side effects such as loss of coordination and drowsiness.Īnticonvulsants. Clonazepam (Klonopin), a tranquilizer, is the most common drug used to treat myoclonus symptoms. Medicines that health care providers commonly prescribe for myoclonus include: More than one drug may be needed to control the symptoms. But treatments for other diseases may help relieve myoclonus symptoms. There are no drugs specifically designed to treat myoclonus. In these cases, treatment is aimed at reducing myoclonus symptoms, especially when they're disabling. Most of the time, however, the underlying cause can't be cured or eliminated. For example, treatment may focus on another condition, a medicine or a toxin that is causing the myoclonus. Treatment of myoclonus works bets if you can stop the problem that's causing it. Blood or urine tests may be needed to check for metabolic disorders, autoimmune disease, diabetes, and kidney or liver disease. Your health care provider may suggest genetic testing to help identify possible causes of myoclonus. An MRI scan uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain, spinal cord and other areas of the body.
An MRI scan may be used to check for structural problems or tumors inside the brain or spinal cord, which may cause the myoclonus symptoms. These tests measure the electrical activity of the brain, brainstem and spinal cord that is triggered by touch, sound, sight and other stimuli. These signals help determine the pattern and origin of the myoclonus. In this procedure, electrodes are placed on multiple muscles, especially muscles that are involved in the jerking.Īn instrument records the electrical activity from the muscles when they are at rest and when they are contracted, such as when you bend your arm. These actions may uncover irregular electrical activity.Įlectromyography (EMG). You then may be asked to breathe deeply and steadily and look at bright lights or listen to sounds. First, small electrodes are attached to the scalp. It may help determine where in the brain the myoclonus originates.
This procedure records the electrical activity of the brain.
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