Education
Myoclonus is the most etiologically non-specific motor manifestation of neurologic and systemic disease. It’s like slurred speech or altered mental status. But in the appropriate context, it can become a useful clue in your differential diagnosis. Dr. John Caviness of the Mayo Clinic joins Jim Siegler this week for a discussion on this abnormal movement and what it may indicate. Produced by James E. Siegler and John Caviness. Music courtesy of Kevin McLeod and E’s Jammy Jams. “Endings” and “What’s the Angle” were produced by Shane Ivers (https://www.silvermansound.com). The opening theme was composed by Jimothy Dalton. Sound effects by Mike Koenig and Daniel Simion. Unless otherwise mentioned in the podcast, no competing financial interests exist in the content of this episode. BrainWaves' podcasts and online content are intended for medical education only and should not be used for clinical decision making. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @brainwavesaudio for the latest updates to the podcast. REFERENCES Caviness JN. Myoclonus and neurodegenerative disease--what's in a name? Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2003;9:185-92. Caviness JN. Parkinsonism & related disorders. Myoclonus. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2007;13 Suppl 3:S375-84. Caviness JN. Pathophysiology and treatment of myoclonus. Neurol Clin. 2009;27:757-77, vii. Zutt R, van Egmond ME, Elting JW, van Laar PJ, Brouwer OF, Sival DA, Kremer HP, de Koning TJ and Tijssen MA. A novel diagnostic approach to patients with myoclonus. Nature reviews Neurology. 2015;11:687-97. Levy A and Chen R. Myoclonus: Pathophysiology and Treatment Options. Current treatment options in neurology. 2016;18:21. Caviness JN. Myoclonus. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2019;25:1055-1080.