Re: clonus

Posted By CCF MD mdf on March 10, 1998 at 13:11:22:

In Reply to: clonus posted by Greg R on February 27, 1998 at 22:24:59:







: on 2/16/98 I posted a message re a reaction to levaquin my wife had. after 5 weeks now she still has a very strained vioce and difficulty walking. also whenever she is startled or there is a loud noise her head jerks back to the right in a spasm and she lets out a gasp of breath.We have been researching for a solution to her problem in the priniples of neurology companion handbook. her MRI's ad CAT's are clear.could you talk about polymyoclonus, what could cause the condition and whether or ot this could be a possibility. thankyou so much for your help    
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The symptoms you describe do not clearly fit the description of myoclonus. Myoclonus is a rapid muscle jerk, more rapid than what might be produced by voluntary contraction. Myoclonus may affect any muscle or group of muscles. The causes are varied and frequently are mysterious. NOTE: myoclonus is not the same as clonus. The latter reflects an exaggerated deep tendon reflex response.
On the other hand, these symptoms do warrant investigation. If you have not had an examination by a neurologist, that would be prudent. You are certainly welcome to seek consultation with a staff neurologist at Cleveland Clinic. A movement disorders specialist may be the most appropriate. You can call 800 CCF CARE and ask for neurology appointments.