Sleep myoclonus is the result of stimulation while falling asleep.
Myoclonus is not a disease, but could be a symptom of one. Myoclonus is a muscle contraction that occurs without notice. These contractions might happen with a single muscle or multiple muscles. While resting, these occurrences are called "sleep starts" and usually occur as a person is first going to sleep.
Sleep Myoclonus
Many types of myoclonus occur for various health reasons, but sleep myoclonus occurs whenever a person is falling asleep. This type of myoclonus rarely troubles those who experience it and treatment is usually unnecessary. These types of myoclonus occur in people who are otherwise healthy. Those who consider sleep myoclonus bothersome might also experience sleep disorders that require medical treatment.
Causes
Those who experience sleep myoclonus find that these spasms occur whenever sound, light or a dream stimulates him. Other types of myoclonus are the result of trauma, tumors, organ failure, strokes, poisoning, metabolic issues, lack of oxygen and nervous system disorders. After a person experiences these complications, myoclonus develops on its own and in direct relation to the trauma. Sleep myoclonus can happen naturally and does not have to be the result of trauma or disease.
Symptoms
People who experience myoclonus might feel sudden tremors, the inability to control them and could be jilted from a sleep state. Those who experience myoclonus on a more serious scale can lose the ability to talk, eat, or walk comfortably or easily. These tremors are also involuntary and uncontrollable. They might affect how a person lives his life and can occur even when the person is not resting.
Diagnoses
Tests such as MRIs or CT scans look for tumors and abnormalities, electromyography tests look for electrical muscle discharge, and electroencephalography tests areas of the brain. Laboratory tests might involve blood work used to check for drugs or harmful toxins, thyroid productivity, blood and cell count, and other purposes that require the research of blood samples.
Treatment
Medication and treatment is available to help reduce the amount of twitches or tremors. These medications include tranquilizers, 5-HTP therapy, hormonal therapy or a combination of medications. While the dosage of these medications begins small, the doctor will increase the amount used until improvement can be noticed. Side effects of these drugs might include loss of coordination, liver failure, worse Myoclonus symptoms, and other long-term effects. Botox is an appropriate treatment for secluded areas that experience twitches, such as facial tremors. Additionally, surgery might be required to remove tumors or fix damaged areas of the brain or spinal cord.
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