- Palatal myoclonus occurs when the muscles of
the soft palate at the back of the MOUTHcontract
rapidly and rhythmically though usually with-
out disrupting the ability to swallow or speak.
The pattern and consistency of the myoclonic
episodes help the neurologist determine the
underlying cause or location of the neurologic
injury (sometimes called a LESION). The diagnostic
path typically includes a comprehensive NEURO-
LOGIC EXAMINATIONand imaging procedures such as
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) or COMPUTED
TOMOGRAPHY(CT) SCANto locate or rule out neuro-
logic damage. The neurologist may also conduct
an electromyogram (EMG) to assess the activity of
the affected muscle groups. Treatment aims to
reduce the symptoms and typically includes com-
binations of muscle relaxants and antiseizure
medications. Finding a therapeutically effective
balance of medications is often a trial-and-error
process. Most people who have myoclonus require
lifelong treatment.CONDITIONS IN WHICH MYOCLONUS MAY OCCUR
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE BRAIN HEMORRHAGE
BRAIN TUMOR CREUTZFELDT-JAKOB DISEASE(CJD)
ENCEPHALITIS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
PARKINSON’S DISEASE prolonged HYPOXIA
SEIZURE DISORDERS SPINAL CORD INJURY
STROKE TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY(TBI)See also ATHETOSIS; CHOREA; NEURON; RESTLESS
LEGS SYNDROME; SPASM; TIC; TOURETTE’S SYNDROME;
TREMOR DISORDERS.266 The Nervous System