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 • Jun. 8, 2021

The very first case of respiratory myoclonus was reported in 1723 by Antony van Leeuwenhoek, a Dutch draper and amateur scientist.

From New York Times • Apr. 3, 2015

Respiratory myoclonus is quite rare, with only around 100 cases reported over the past 300 years.

From New York Times • Apr. 3, 2015

Both apnea and myoclonus can be treated, once diagnosed.

From Time Magazine Archive

Two years and many doctors later, Dr. Melvin Van Woert of New York City's Mount Sinai Hospital identified the condition that ended her career: myoclonus, a nervous disorder that affects only 2,000 Americans.

From Time Magazine Archive