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Involuntary muscle jerking, known as myoclonus, is a brief, sudden muscle movement that a person cannot stop or control. It can be a natural reflex, such as jumping when startled, or it can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Myoclonus can occur in people with no other health problems, but it can also be caused by a variety of factors, including chronic diseases, medication side effects, brain or spinal injuries, strokes, infections, or autoimmune diseases. In newborns, myoclonus can manifest as sudden jerky movements during sleep, but this condition usually resolves within six months. If you are experiencing involuntary muscle jerking, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and guidance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Myoclonus, also known as hypnic jerks |
| Description | Brief, sudden, uncontrollable muscle movement that includes twitching, jerking, or spasms |
| Occurrence | Can affect a single muscle or a group of muscles |
| Causes | Can be caused by nervous system disorders, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease), autoimmune diseases, blood and body chemistry imbalances, infections, spinal injuries, strokes, brain tumours, kidney or liver failure, prescription drugs, alcohol, or cocaine |
| Treatment | Seek advice from a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options |
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What You'll Learn
Neurological conditions, e.g. epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease
Involuntary muscle jerking, or myoclonus, is not a disease itself but can be a sign of another neurological condition. Myoclonus can occur as a symptom of several medical conditions, including neurological conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.
Epilepsy
Myoclonus is often associated with epilepsy, a neurological condition characterized by seizures. Several types of epilepsy are known to cause myoclonus, including Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME). PME is a rare group of disorders that involve myoclonic seizures and other neurological symptoms, such as cognitive impairment and progressive loss of memory.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It can cause myoclonus, along with other symptoms such as fatigue, numbness, and problems with coordination and balance.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement. While myoclonus is not commonly mentioned as a symptom of Parkinson's, some people with the disease may experience muscle twitching or jerking. These involuntary movements can be a result of the brain changes associated with Parkinson's, particularly in the areas that control movement and coordination.
It is important to note that myoclonus can also occur in healthy individuals and does not always indicate an underlying neurological condition. However, if you are experiencing persistent or frequent muscle jerks, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Chronic diseases, e.g. cerebral palsy, Huntington's disease, Wilson's disease
Involuntary muscle jerking can be caused by several chronic diseases, including cerebral palsy, Huntington's disease, and Wilson's disease.
Cerebral palsy is a movement disorder that arises from brain injuries. It involves excessive muscle tone, or spasticity, which can lead to involuntary muscle spasms and contractions. These spasms can be extremely painful and may cause chronic and severe arching of the back, flailing or scissoring of the extremities, and curling of the toes. While there is currently no cure for cerebral palsy, treatments such as spinal cord stimulation, selective dorsal rhizotomy, and intrathecal baclofen aim to relax muscles and relieve pain.
Huntington's disease is an inherited condition that affects brain cells and causes physical and emotional changes that worsen over time. The first physical symptom of Huntington's disease is often chorea, which involves unintended jerks or twisting movements. These involuntary movements typically affect the hands, fingers, and facial muscles first, later progressing to the arms, legs, and torso. Huntington's disease is caused by a genetic mutation in the HTT gene, which results in abnormally shaped proteins that destroy nerve cells in the basal ganglia region of the brain, disrupting the regulation of body movements.
Wilson's disease is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to process copper. While involuntary movements can occur in Wilson's disease, they are not commonly reported as a symptom. However, other movement disorders, such as dystonia and Parkinsonism, may be present. Wilson's disease is caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene, resulting in impaired copper transport and accumulation in various organs, including the brain.
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Brain injury or trauma
Involuntary muscle jerking, or myoclonus, can be caused by brain injury or trauma. Myoclonus is a type of uncontrollable movement that includes sudden, brief involuntary twitching, jerking, or spasms of a single muscle or a group of muscles. It is not a disease but a clinical sign of another neurological condition. Myoclonus usually occurs due to a disruption in the brain or spinal cord.
Spasticity After Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):
Spasticity is the uncontrolled overactivity of muscles caused by disrupted signals from the brain. It is common in people with severe traumatic brain injuries. Those with spasticity may experience muscle stiffness, weakness, and a loss of fine motor control, such as being unable to pick up small objects. Spasticity can cause involuntary muscle jerking and can come and go. It may not always require treatment.
Other Causes of Myoclonus:
Myoclonus can also be caused by peripheral nerve injuries, nervous system disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, seizures, autoimmune inflammatory conditions, kidney or liver failure, and drug intoxication. It can also be triggered by a person's movement or surroundings. Physiologic myoclonus occurs in healthy people and does not require medical treatment.
If you are experiencing involuntary muscle jerking, it is important to consult a healthcare professional, such as a neurologist, to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
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Infections, e.g. bacterial, viral
Involuntary muscle jerking, or myoclonus, can be caused by bacterial or viral infections. Opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (OMS), or Dancing Eyes-Dancing Feet Syndrome, is a rare disorder that affects the eyes and muscles, causing irregular, rapid eye movements, jerking muscles in the arms or legs, poor coordination, hand tremors, and more. OMS can be triggered by a bacterial or viral infection, and in adults, it is often related to lung or breast cancers.
Myoclonus is a type of uncontrollable movement that includes sudden, brief involuntary twitching, jerking, or spasms of a single muscle or a group of muscles. It is not a disease but a clinical sign, and it can be caused by a disruption of the brain or spinal cord. Myoclonus can also occur after an injury to the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord.
Infections are one of the many potential causes of myoclonus. Myoclonus can also be caused by conditions such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune inflammatory conditions, kidney or liver failure, and more. Physiologic myoclonus occurs in otherwise healthy people and does not require medical treatment.
In newborns, benign neonatal sleep myoclonus (BNSM) is a harmless condition that causes sudden, jerky movements during sleep. BNSM usually goes away by itself within six months of age. Middle ear myoclonus is another form of myoclonus that affects the tensor tympani muscle in the ear, causing repetitive clicking, cracking, or thumping sounds.
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Drugs or alcohol
Involuntary muscle jerking, known as myoclonus, can be caused by a variety of factors, including certain drugs and alcohol. Myoclonus refers to sudden, brief, involuntary twitching or jerking of a single muscle or a group of muscles. It is not a disease but a clinical sign that can occur due to various reasons, including substance use.
Drugs
Illicit drugs, prescription medications, and over-the-counter drugs can all potentially cause involuntary muscle jerking. Stimulants, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and amphetamines, are commonly associated with myoclonus due to their impact on increasing energy levels and altering brain chemistry. Additionally, substances that cause wakefulness or boost energy, like caffeine, can contribute to muscle twitching, especially during sleep. Antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, blood pressure medications, antibiotics, opioid painkillers, anesthetics, and antiemetics have also been linked to involuntary muscle movements.
Alcohol
Alcohol abuse or dependence is associated with an increased risk of movement disorders, including essential tremor and myoclonus-dystonia. Alcoholic liver disease leading to hepatic encephalopathy can result in asterixis, characterised by brief interruptions of sustained voluntary muscle contraction, leading to a flapping tremor. Acute alcohol withdrawal can also cause action tremors involving the hands or other body parts, along with neuropsychiatric and autonomic disturbances.
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Frequently asked questions
Involuntary muscle jerking is known as myoclonus, which refers to sudden, brief, irregular, and involuntary twitching or jerking of a single muscle or group of muscles.
Myoclonus can be caused by several factors, including chronic diseases, medication side effects, brain or spinal cord injury, trauma, stroke, or a lack of oxygen in the brain. It can also be caused by certain prescription drugs or substances like alcohol or cocaine.
Yes, myoclonus can occur in otherwise healthy people and is experienced occasionally by everyone. Physiologic myoclonus, for example, happens in healthy individuals and does not need medical treatment.
Yes, myoclonus can be a sign of another health issue or neurological condition. It is often associated with nervous system disorders such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and dementia. It can also be caused by autoimmune diseases, kidney or liver diseases, and conditions affecting the thyroid.
If you experience myoclonus, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider. They can evaluate your symptoms, determine the underlying cause, and provide treatment options to help manage or stop the muscle jerks.
