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6. Myoclonus Diagnosis

A doctor will not only want to diagnose myoclonus but also determine what the underlying cause of the muscle jerks to create an appropriate treatment plan. He or she may order several tests to help determine the cause:

  • Blood Tests can help identify underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
  • Electroencephalograms (EEG) record brain activity and may help a doctor determine from where in the brain the myoclonus is originating.
  • Electromyography (EMG) require electrodes to be placed on different muscles, especially those that are jerking. The muscle's electrical activity is recorded at rest as well as during contraction. These signals can highlight the origin of myoclonus.

muscle jerk VarvaraShu / Getty Images

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Disclaimer

This site offers information designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this site as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for, professional counseling care, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.