Types of Myoclonic Seizures

Myoclonic seizures, or more accurately myoclonic twitches, are the result of rapid and sudden muscle contractions. It is the involuntary twitching, either relaxation or tensing, of muscles in the body. While this may sound serious, myoclonic seizures are actually quite common within the human body. However, depending on the type of myoclonic seizure, it could also be a warning sign of a more serious disorder.

Sleep Myoclonus

• Sleep myoclonus is the most common type of myoclonic seizure as, after all, all humans sleep. This type of myoclonic seizure usually occurs at the exact moment a person slips into unconsciousness.

Essential Myoclonus

• Essential myoclonus is a type of spasm that has no known cause. They can occur randomly and are believed to be stable, meaning that they do not worsen over time.

Hiccups

• Everybody hiccups at one time or another and, yes, hiccups are a form of myoclonic seizure.

Palatal Myoclonus

• Palatal myoclonic seizures are where the roof or sides of the inside of the mouth contract. While it is usually very minor, some do complain of a clicking noise in their ear due to the spams.

Spinal Myoclonus

• Spinal myoclonus originates in the spine. These kind of myoclonic seizures can lead to random spams throughout the body.