Myoclonus
Myoclonus describes sudden, brief, involuntary twitching or jerking of a muscle or muscle group. It is not a disease itself but can signal an underlying neurological condition.
Key points
- The twitching may stem from sudden muscle contraction or from sudden muscle relaxation, two different mechanisms that produce similar jerking.
- Myoclonus is sometimes linked to medication, metabolic imbalance, or a broader neurological disorder rather than existing on its own.
Common questions about Myoclonus
Which medicines are listed for myoclonus?
The catalogue lists one medicine for myoclonus: Nootropil, which contains Piracetam. It is supplied in 800mg and 1200mg tablet strengths. Piracetam belongs to a class of compounds called nootropics, which are studied for their effects on brain function.
What kind of medicine is piracetam?
Piracetam is a nootropic compound. It increases the flexibility of nerve cell membranes, a mechanism thought to support brain signalling. The exact role it plays in managing involuntary twitching or jerking depends on the underlying cause of the myoclonus.