Myoclonus

Myoclonus is the sudden involuntary contraction or relaxation of a muscle or group of muscles. Myoclonus is not a disease but a sign of several diseases or conditions that affect the brain or spinal cord. It can be mild, affecting only a single muscle, or more severe, affecting groups of muscles throughout the body.

Myoclonus can be caused by: 

• Epilepsy
• Brain tumors
• Head or spinal cord injuries
• Stroke
• Infections
• Kidney or liver failure
• Lipid storage disease
• Loss of oxygen to the brain
• Chemical poisoning

Myoclonus is typically treated with barbiturates, which slow down the action of the central nervous system.