Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of eight patients with propriospinal myoclonus are described. Myoclonus developed within days or weeks of cervical trauma in half the patients. Seven cases had axial flexion jerks, and one axial extension jerks. Myoclonic EMG activity consisted of repetitive bursts with a frequency of 1-7 Hz. The jerks in three of the cases were comprised of alternating and rhythmic bursts of EMG activity in rectus abdominis and the paraspinal muscles. From these new observations, it is proposed that cervical trauma can lead to the partial release of a spinal pattern generator. The latter is capable of recruiting muscles through long propriospinal pathways into complex rhythmic activity.

Original publication

DOI

10.1002/mds.870090511

Type

Journal article

Journal

Mov Disord

Publication Date

09/1994

Volume

9

Pages

571 - 576

Keywords

Adult, Aged, Electromagnetic Fields, Electromyography, Evoked Potentials, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Motor Cortex, Muscles, Myoclonus, Neurologic Examination, Spinal Cord, Spinal Cord Injuries, Spinal Nerve Roots, Synaptic Transmission