Myoclonus epilepsy is better known as myoclonic seizures. Myoclonic seizures are brief and jerky contractions of muscles, which generally occur at the same time on both sides of the body. Rarely, they may involve just one arm or foot. Witnesses refer to them as sudden jerks or muscle twitches. The Epilepsy Foundation lists myoclonic seizures as one of four major types of generalized seizures. Though having such a seizure is generally not life-threatening, it is imperative to investigate the cause of the epilepsy. The myoclonic seizure patient often has an underlying medical condition that needs to be medically corrected.
Brain Hypoxia or Tumor
Prolonged lack of oxygen to the brain, or hypoxia, is a known cause of myoclonic seizures. Examples include a drowning victim, or someone who is choking on food. According to Harvard Medical School, myoclonic seizures are also caused by various brain tumors. In fact, a seizure is often the initial presenting symptom in a patient with a brain tumor.
Head Injury
Severe head injuries, such as concussions, are another major cause of myoclonus epilepsy. The Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine lists seizures as one of the immediate complications of a sustained concussion. For the athlete who has suffered a head injury, the presence or absence of a seizure within 24 hours will often determine whether he has sustained a concussion or not.
Stroke in the Brain
A stroke is sudden death of brain tissue due to lack of oxygen, usually caused by a blockage or rupture of an artery in the brain. An American Heart Association study revealed that about 4 percent of stroke victims had seizures within two weeks following the stroke. Therefore, stroke patients need to be closely monitored for generalized seizures such as myoclonus.
Serious Infections
Severe infections within a patient's bloodstream, otherwise known as sepsis, can also lead to myoclonic seizures. Sepsis usually begins as a moderate infection, such as walking pneumonia or urinary tract infection. If left untreated, or if infected by a virulent strain of bacteria that is resistant to medications, then the patient is likely to develop sepsis.
Liver Failure
Liver failure can be another cause of myoclonus. Since the liver is responsible for filtering and disposing of various toxins that tend to enter a patient's body, an ineffective liver will lead to dangerous buildup of harmful toxins. When this surpasses a set threshold, seizures such as myoclonic twitching may result.
Drug or Chemical Poisoning
Excessive use of recreational drugs has long been known to be a cause of sezures, including myoclonus. Cocaine, LSD, amphetamines and other stimulants have all been implicated as causes of seizures. Numerous other chemicals, such as household cleaning agents, are known to cause seizures. Therefore, any infant or toddler seen in the ER with a seizure should be screened for chemical poisoning.
