MYOCLONIC JERKING Meaning and
Definition
-
Myoclonic jerking refers to a sudden, involuntary, and brief muscle movement characterized by quick contractions or spasms. It is a type of myoclonus, which is a neurological condition characterized by rapid and brief movements or twitching of a muscle or group of muscles. These myoclonic jerks involve a sudden contraction followed by a relaxation of a muscle or a group of muscles.
The jerks can occur in various body parts such as the arms, legs, face, or torso. They can range in severity from mild, barely noticeable twitches to more pronounced and intense jerking motions. Myoclonic jerks can be sporadic or occur in a repetitive pattern, such as rhythmic or symmetrical movements.
There are different causes of myoclonic jerking, including neurological disorders such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson's disease. It can also be a side effect of certain medications, a result of metabolic abnormalities, or a consequence of brain damage due to injury or illness.
Depending on the underlying cause, myoclonic jerking may occur in isolation or be accompanied by other symptoms such as seizures, difficulty walking or talking, muscle stiffness, or impaired coordination. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical examination, including neurological tests, imaging studies, and sometimes electroencephalography (EEG).
Treatment of myoclonic jerking may involve addressing the underlying cause or managing symptoms through medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle adjustments. The prognosis varies depending on the specific condition causing the jerks, with some cases being manageable or treatable while others may be chronic and require long-term management.
Common Misspellings for MYOCLONIC JERKING
- nyoclonic jerking
- kyoclonic jerking
- jyoclonic jerking
- mtoclonic jerking
- mgoclonic jerking
- mhoclonic jerking
- muoclonic jerking
- m7oclonic jerking
- m6oclonic jerking
- myiclonic jerking
- mykclonic jerking
- mylclonic jerking
- mypclonic jerking
- my0clonic jerking
- my9clonic jerking
- myoxlonic jerking
- myovlonic jerking
- myoflonic jerking
- myodlonic jerking
- myockonic jerking
Etymology of MYOCLONIC JERKING
The term "myoclonic jerking" originates from a combination of two words: "myoclonus" and "jerking".
1. Myoclonus: The word "myoclonus" is derived from two Greek words: "mys" meaning "muscle" and "klonos" meaning "violent motion or jerking". It refers to a rapid, involuntary muscle twitch or spasm. The term was introduced in the early 19th century by a French physician named Augustin-Ambroise Trousseau.
2. Jerking: The word "jerking" comes from the Middle English term "jerkyn" which means to "dash or tilt abruptly" or make sudden, quick movements.
When combined, "myoclonic jerking" is a descriptive term used in medical contexts to refer to the sudden, involuntary muscle jerks associated with myoclonus.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
