Fibrillary myoclonia is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle spasms that are typically brief but can be intense. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "fi-bri-lar-y," is pronounced as /faɪ.brɪ.lər.i/, with the stress on the second syllable. The second word, "myoclonia," is pronounced as /maɪ.əʊˈkləʊ.ni.ə/, with the stress on the fourth syllable. Together, these two words form the complete spelling of the condition.
Fibrillary myoclonia is a medical condition characterized by the presence of involuntary muscle contractions, known as myoclonus, that are primarily localized within the muscle fibers. Myoclonus refers to rapid, sudden, brief, and involuntary movements or contractions of muscles.
Fibrillary myoclonia is often classified as a subtype of myoclonus, involving muscular activity at a microscopic level. This condition is typically chronic and progressive, leading to the continuous occurrence of muscle contractions that can affect various muscle groups throughout the body.
The contractions in fibrillary myoclonia are believed to be caused by the spontaneous activity of individual muscle fibers. These fibers may display abnormal electrical discharges, resulting in the synchronized contraction of neighboring fibers. The specific underlying cause of this condition is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be related to dysfunction within the central nervous system, particularly involving the circuits responsible for muscle control and movement coordination.
The symptoms of fibrillary myoclonia can vary widely, ranging from mild to severe. Common manifestations include muscle twitching, jerking movements, and spasms that can be localized or generalized. These contractions may occur spontaneously or may be triggered by certain environmental stimuli or voluntary movements. Fibrillary myoclonia can impact daily activities, leading to impaired coordination, difficulties with fine motor skills, and challenges with tasks requiring precise muscle control.
Treatment options for fibrillary myoclonia are limited, and primarily focus on symptom management and improving quality of life. Medications such as anticonvulsants may be utilized to reduce the frequency and intensity of muscle contractions. Physical therapy and occupational therapy can also be beneficial in helping individuals cope with the limitations imposed by fibrillary myoclonia.
The twitching of a limited part or group of fibers of a muscle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term fibrillary myoclonia is a medical term used to describe a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, known as myoclonus, in the muscles and connective tissues. Fibrillary refers to the thin, thread-like appearance of the muscles affected by the condition, and myoclonia derives from the Greek words myo meaning muscle and clonia meaning violent action. Therefore, the term fibrillary myoclonia essentially means muscle jerking or twitching in a thread-like appearance.