myoclonus

[ mahy-ok-luh-nuhs ]

noun

, Pathology.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of myoclonus¹

First recorded in 1880–85; myo- + 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

A hiccup is a form of myoclonus; so are those disruptive jerks we all experience occasionally when falling asleep.

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

He has kept an eye on her through her medical record since he figured this out five years ago, and he feels comfortable that the myoclonus was not a sign of some hidden disease.

From New York Times