myoclonus

American  

[mahy-ok-luh-nuhs] / maɪˈɒk lə nəs /

noun

Pathology.

1. an abrupt spasm or twitch of a muscle or group of muscles, occurring in some neurological diseases.

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Etymology

Origin of myoclonus

First recorded in 1880–85; myo- + clonus

Compare meaning

How does myoclonus compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• myoclonus vs. clonus

Example Sentences

He has a rare neurological disease called spinal myoclonus that causes spasms and blurs his vision when he gets a jolt of adrenaline.

From Los Angeles Times

He barely got his first word right Thursday evening — myoclonus — pausing at length between letters.

From Washington Post

Respiratory myoclonus, also known as diaphragmatic flutter, Leeuwenhoek’s disease, and – this is a new one to me – belly dancer’s disease.

From New York Times

In the hours after she was revived, she had convulsions, known as myoclonus, which can happen if the brain lacks oxygen.

From Salon

In myoclonus, muscles jump because of an involuntary command from the nervous system.

From New York Times