1. Health

Myoclonus

From , former About.com Guide

Updated September 15, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Myoclonus is a general term that refers to the sudden involuntary twitching of a muscle or group of muscles. They are usually viewed as muscle contractions with intermittent periods of relaxation and can affect one area (such as a limb) or multiple areas of the body.

Although myoclonus is seen in certain types of seizures, they can also occur in other disorders of the neurological system, such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis.

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.