TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Chapter 37. Classification, Clinical Features, and Treatment of Myoclonus A1 - González-Redondo, Rafael A1 - Gómez, Asier A1 - Obeso, José A. A2 - Watts, Ray L. A2 - Standaert, David G. A2 - Obeso, Jose A. Y1 - 2012 N1 - T2 - Movement Disorders, 3e AB - Myoclonus is a brief muscle jerk caused by neuronal discharges. A sudden and short-lasting interruption of ongoing voluntary muscle contraction may produce a postural pause clinically very similar to myoclonus, hence the term “negative myoclonus.” Both forms often share the same etiology, coincide in the same patients, and can even affect the same muscle group.1 A myoclonic jerk consists of a single muscle discharge but can be repetitive, giving rise to a salvo of muscle activity (Fig. 37–1). The latter is particularly frequent in action myoclonus and interferes severely with the execution of even the most simple motor tasks. For this reason, action myoclonus (both positive and negative types) may be considered among the movement disorder that produces the greatest interference with voluntary movements. SN - PB - The McGraw-Hill Companies CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/04/19 UR - accessphysiotherapy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=55802025 ER -