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Correcting the metabolic disturbance or other cause if possible
Stopping or reducing the dose of the causative agent
Using pharmacotherapy to relieve symptoms
Treatment of myoclonus begins with correction of underlying metabolic disturbances or other causes if correctable. If a medication is the cause, the medication is stopped, or the dose is reduced.
Site of origin for myoclonus helps guide symptomatic treatment. For example, valproate, levetiracetam, and piracetam tend to be effective in cortical myoclonus but ineffective in other types of myoclonus. Clonazepam may be effective in all types of myoclonus. Doses of clonazepam or valproate may need to be lower in older adults. In some cases, a combination of medications is necessary.Site of origin for myoclonus helps guide symptomatic treatment. For example, valproate, levetiracetam, and piracetam tend to be effective in cortical myoclonus but ineffective in other types of myoclonus. Clonazepam may be effective in all types of myoclonus. Doses of clonazepam or valproate may need to be lower in older adults. In some cases, a combination of medications is necessary.
In the past, many types of myoclonus seemed to respond to the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan, which was used with the oral decarboxylase inhibitor carbidopa, but 5-hydroxytryptophan is not used anymore because better medications are now available.In the past, many types of myoclonus seemed to respond to the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan, which was used with the oral decarboxylase inhibitor carbidopa, but 5-hydroxytryptophan is not used anymore because better medications are now available.
Myoclonus is a brief, shocklike muscle contraction that can vary in severity and distribution.
Myoclonus can be physiologic (eg, hiccuping, sleep-related muscle contractions) or secondary to various brain disorders, systemic disorders, or medications.
If a metabolic disturbance is the cause, correct it, and when necessary, give medications (eg, clonazepam, valproate, levetiracetam) to relieve symptoms.If a metabolic disturbance is the cause, correct it, and when necessary, give medications (eg, clonazepam, valproate, levetiracetam) to relieve symptoms.
