Medical Health Information

Treatment of myoclonus focuses on medications that help reduce symptoms. The main drug in the treatment of Myoclonus, Action myoclonus, especially certain, the most prevalently prescribed, is a tranquilizer. The amount is usually increased until the patient improves or side effects of commonly prescribed as dangerous until (drowsiness and loss of coordination in general) is. The development of tolerance to it over time can be reduced if the beneficial effects of the drug.

For example, barbityuret, phenytoin and primidone as myoclonus, for medicine, some are used to treat epilepsy. Barbiturates slow down the central nervous system, and the peace and anticonvulsant effects. Phenytoin can cause liver failure or other long-term adverse effects in patients with PME, also phenytoin and primidone, an effective anticonvulsant drug. Sodium valproate myoclonus can be used as an alternative treatment, and either alone or in combination with commonly prescribed. In both cases, the efficiency of myoclonus, however, some people have to respond to the drugs.

Some studies have shown that 5-hydroxytryptophan (5 - T), a major improvement in the amount of action myoclonus and PME, the level of serotonin. On the other hand, several studies 5 - T treatment is not effective in all patients and in some cases to demonstrate that the situation worsened. Serotonin receptor in the treatment of the underlying abnormalities in these differences is not yet explained, but still provides an important hint.

Myoclonus many drugs may be necessary to an effective treatment for the original complex. Some of them may have a limited effect, even when taken individually, or in different ways of combining drugs to the brain more than the mechanical work. Hormonal treatments for drug efficacy can be increased by some anti myoclonic. Comparison of several drugs, scientists still hope to achieve control of myoclonic symptoms better.

Infantile myoclonic epilepsy seizures involving the neck, the shoulders and arms. These attacks usually occur shortly after awakening.

In rare cases, myoclonic jerks may be a symptom of the syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, in which case, they are very strong and difficult to control.

The progressive myoclonic epilepsy includes both myoclonic seizures that tonic-clonic seizures. The treatment is not usually effective for a prolonged period of time. Classify different types of myoclonus is difficult because the causes, effects and responses to treatment vary widely. Here are the types most commonly described:

Myoclonus' s action is characterized by muscle spasms caused or intensified by voluntary movement or even the intention to move. It can be worsened by attempts to clear and coordinated movement. Action myoclonus is the most disabling and can affect the legs, arms, face and even voice. This form of myoclonus is derived from brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen in the respiration or by an interruption of blood flow due to a cardiac arrest.

The cortical reflex myoclonus is considered a type of epilepsy that originates in the cerebral cortex, the outermost layer (or gray matter) of the brain, responsible for much of information processing that occurs in the brain. In this type of myoclonus, spasms usually involve a few muscles in one part of the body (may happen that involve multiple muscle spasms). Cortical reflex myoclonus can be intensified when the person tries to perform special moves or feels certain sensations.

The essential myoclonus occurs in the absence of epilepsy or other abnormalities in the brain or nervous system. It occurs randomly in people without "family history," but can also appear among the members of one family, indicating that it can sometimes be an inherited disorder. The essential myoclonus tends to be stable over time without worsening of intensity. Some scientists speculate that some forms may be a type of epilepsy with no known cause.

The palatal myoclonus is a rhythmic contraction and adjust one or both sides of the soft palate. These contractions may be accompanied by myoclonus in other muscles, including those of the face, tongue, throat and diaphragm. The contractions are very fast (up to 150 per minute) and may persist even during sleep. The disease usually appears in adulthood and can last indefinitely. People with palatal myoclonus consider it a matter of little importance, although occasionally complain of a sound ("click") in your ears as you tighten the muscles of the palate.

The 'progressive myoclonic epilepsy (PME) is a group of diseases characterized by myoclonus, epileptic seizures and other severe symptoms such as trouble walking and speaking. These disorders often worsen over time and sometimes are fatal. Studies have identified at least three forms of PME. The Lafora disease is inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder, which means that the disease occurs only when the child inherits two copies of the gene "defective," one from each parent. Lafora disease is characterized by myoclonus, epileptic seizures and dementia (progressive loss of memory and other intellectual functions). A second group of PME diseases belonging to the class of the brain usually involves myoclonus, visual problems, dementia, and dystonia (sustained muscle contractions that cause twisting movements or abnormal postures). Another group of PME, the class of systematic degeneracies, it is often characterized by action myoclonus, seizures, problems with balance and walking. Many of these diseases begin in childhood or adolescence.

The reticular reflex myoclonus is thought to be a type of generalized epilepsy that originates in the brainstem, the part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord and controls vital functions like breathing and heartbeat. The myoclonic jerks usually affect the entire body and the muscles on both sides simultaneously. In some individuals, they affect only in a part, such as legs, with all the muscles of that part involved in the spasm. Reticular reflex myoclonus can be triggered either by a voluntary movement that has an external stimulus.

The stimulus-sensitive myoclonus is triggered by a variety of external events such as noise, movement and light. The surprise may increase the sensitivity of the subject.

The nocturnal myoclonus occurs during the initial phase of sleep, especially at the time of falling asleep. Some forms appear to be stimulus-sensitive. People suffering from nocturnal myoclonus rarely require treatment or are bothered. However, it may be a symptom of sleep disorders as complex as the restless legs syndrome, which can take care of a physician.

Symptoms

The myoclonic seizures may be defined as "jumps." Because of the rapid relaxation of muscles, and they shrink. People with no hiccups or compression of the common form of epilepsy may suffer from the cramps.

In subjects with epilepsy, myoclonic seizures cause abnormal contractions in both sides of the body and at the same time. In reflex epilepsies, seizures can be caused by flashing lights or other environmental causes ( photosensitive epilepsy ).

Familiar examples are the hiccups of myoclonic seizures and spasms ipnico (hypnic or contraction) that some people experience when preparing to sleep. A similar spasm, but different, it happens sometimes during meditation.

Severe cases of pathologic myoclonus can distort seriously the ability to eat, talk and walk.

Cause

Myoclonus may develop in response to an ' infection, a spinal or neck trauma, stroke, brain tumors, or renal impairment, or in response to a problem in the disposal of fats, to poisoning by drugs or substances chemical. The prolonged lack of oxygen in the brain, called hypoxia, can lead to post-hypoxic myoclonus. The myoclonus may occur alone, but usually is one of the several symptoms of a nervous system problem. The myoclonic jerks are generated mainly in people with epilepsy, a disorder in which the electrical activity in the brain is altered and leads to seizures.

Myoclonus is a brief, involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles. It is a "sign doctor" (and not a symptom ) and, generally, is not the manifestation of a disease. The myoclonic jerks are usually caused by a sudden muscular contraction, which may also appear as a short absence of contraction.

Contractions are called positive myoclonus, negative myoclonus of the relaxations. The most common where a person can go there to meet you at the beginning of sleep, the stage of "numbness," Where the brain believes the body is dying and sends these spasms to awaken the "subject."

The myoclonic jerks are, however, symptoms of neurological disorders. Even the hiccup is a form of myoclonic spasm, which covers the diaphragm. The myoclonic jerks may be used singly or in sequence, with a "scheme" or not, rarely or several times a minute.

Very often the myoclonus is one of many symptoms of various disorders of the nervous system, including multiple sclerosis, the Parkinson's disease, the Alzheimer's disease, the subacute sclerosis panencefalitica, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and some forms of epilepsy, as well as a neuromuscular symptom of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Anatomically, myoclonus can originate from the cerebral cortex, the sub-cortex or the spinal cord. The presence of myoclonus above the foramen magnum excludes the spinal myoclonus, but for a more accurate positioning is required a ' electromyography (EMG) and electroencephalography (EEG).

There are options for a variety of medications, which may be one of the scenes, but before what is right for you or your child to talk to a neurologist first.

Below are some commonly prescribed medications for patients with seizures or epilepsy.

Note: My son has seizures and has had one or two grand mal seizures in the past. The following four drugs are the ones my wife, and I have tried in the past or present to him.

At the moment, my son is on Topomax, Depakote and Lamictal. We took him off the Keppra because of mood swings and occasional aggressive behavior.

Keppra

(September mood swings and aggressive behavior in my son's)

Symptoms suggestive of use: the scenes

Symptoms that show, do not use: hypersensitivity

Metabolism: 66% is excreted unchanged by the kidneys, liver metabolism of some

Use with caution:

• Lactaction .
• renal elimination of geriatric
• Patients with renal impairment (dose reduction is recommended if the credit risk of <80 mL / minr.)
• Children under 4 years
• Use in pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

Possible side effects:

dizziness, fatigue, behavioral disturbances, incoordination (adults only)

Topamax

(Increased Tonic Seizures and status epilepticus, some cramps in my son.)

Symptoms suggestive of use:

Seizures, including partial begun, generalized tonic-clonic, seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Head ace migraine prevention in adults.
Symptoms that show, do not use:

Hypersensitivity
OB Lactaction.
Metabolism: 70% is excreted unchanged in the urine

Use with caution:

• Patients with renal insufficiency
• Patients with hepatic impairment.
• Geriatric, find the age-related renal / hepatic function, concomitant disease states, and medication.
• Children are more susceptible to hyperthermia oligohydrosis and caution children under 2 years of age.
• Dehydration
• Pregnancy (only if the benefits of maternal fetal risk).

Depakote
(My son uses of Lamictal)

Symptoms suggestive of use:
Simple and complex absence seizures
Symptoms of partial complex

Symptoms that show, do not use:

Hypersensitivity
Liver damage.

Some products contain tartrazine avoided in patients with hypersensitivity.
Suspected cases of urea cycle disorders (may cause life-threatening hyperammonemic encephalopathy)

Metabolism: Mostly metabolized by the liver, minimal amounts excreted in the urine.
Use with caution:

• Bleeding
• liver disease
• Organic brain disease
• Bone marrow depression
• Patients with renal insufficiency
• Children, especially children over two years are at increased risk of potentially life-threatening hepatotoxicity.
• Use in pregnancy is linked to developmental defects, low IQ, birth defects, congenital malformations, and abnormal liver function in neonates use of extreme caution.
• Breast Valproates pass into breast milk. Consider the pre-nursing valproates nursing mother.

Possible side effects:

confusion, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, blurred vision, liver damage, indegestion, nausea, vomiting,
loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, increased salivation, increased appetite, pancreatitis, rash,
Leukopenia, bleeding time, thrombocytopenia, hyperammonemia, ataxia, paresthesia

Lamictal
(My son used Depakote)

Symptoms suggestive of use:

Impurity in partial epilepsy in adults.

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Partial transition to monotherapy in adults may be a single enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs.
Maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder.
Symptoms that show, do not use:

Hypersensitivity
Breast-feeding

Metabolism: In most cases, is metabolized to inactive metabolites, of which 10% is excreted unchanged via the kidneys.

Use with caution:

• failure.
• congestive heart failure.
• liver failure.
• Pregnancy and children.
• A history of rash with lamotrigine.

Possible side effects:

ataxia, dizziness, headache, abnormal behavior, depression, drowsiness, insomnia, tremor, blurred vision, diplopia, fever, nausea, vomiting, vaginitis, photosensitivity, rash (more common in children,
VPA in patients with a high starting dose is increased or fast), joint pain, allergic reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome