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What Causes Involuntary Jerk Like Movements Behind Neck?

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Posted on Fri, 21 Aug 2015
Question: Ive been noticing an unusual sensation in the back of my neck. I dont know if I should describe it as a jerk or a twitch. Though i feel as though my head is moving slightly, it doesnt appear to move when i watch it happen in a mirror. Would this be an example of myoclonus? If so,mwhat are the chances that its caused by multiple sclerosis? Is myoclonus a typical presenting/early sypmtom of ms?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Keep observing.Physical examination, if it persists.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com.
I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist,here to answer your query.

Myoclonus jerk should be objective and visible. A subjective feeling of jerk without any actual jerk will not classify into myoclonus. Therefore I wouldn't classify it as myclonus jerk unless confirmed physically by your physician / neurologist.

Further more anxiety may result in such symptoms. I suggest you to please start doing mental relaxation exercises like meditation/yoga/pranayama on a regular basis and observe for the improvement. If the symptoms still persist,please visit a Neurologist for a physical examination.

First of all,this does not classify under myoclonus as such because there is no visible or actual jerk. Secondly,myoclonus to be the first symptom of MS is rare.
So,directly jumping on to MS as a diagnosis is not rational.

Hope that I have answered your query.If you have some follow up questions,I shall be glad to answer else please close the thread,rate it and write a review as your rating will be of help to me.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ajay Panwar (32 minutes later)
When, if ever, does myoclonus appear in ms patients? What type ofmyoclonus is most common in ms patients? Can benign fasiculation syndrome cause similar symptons? Thank you so much for your help?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (15 hours later)
Brief Answer:
As follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being in follow-up.

Multiple sclerosis can uncommonly have myoclonus.Depending on the demyelinating lesion in the brain or spinal cord,patient can manifest with cortical or spinal(segmental) myoclonus,respectively.

Benign fasciculations present with fasciculations,obviously.In your case,there are no apparent jerks,so,fasciculations(be it benign fasciculations)are not the likely possibility.


Hope that I have answered your query.If you have some follow up questions,I shall be glad to answer else please close the thread,rate it and write a review as your rating will be of help to me.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ajay Panwar (6 hours later)
Chan anxiety cause myoclonic jerks? Also, what kind of myoclonus mainly occurs while at rest or sitting down?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Possibly you are confusing myoclonus with fasciculations.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being in follow-up.

You are likely confused between myoclonus and fasciculations.Anxiety may precipitate fasciculations. Fasciculations can be normally present in an individual.

However,physiological myoclonus(or myoclonus without a disease) can occur during sleep(hypnic) but not usually seen while one is awake.Anxiety does not usually cause myoclonus in normal individuals,a panic reaction however,can.

There is no specific predilection for myoclonus based on posture like standing or sitting down.

Hope that I have answered your query.If you have some follow up questions,I shall be glad to answer else please close the thread,rate it and write a review as your rating will be of help to me.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ajay Panwar (7 hours later)
What is the difference between benign fasiculations and myoclonus? Can BF cause myoclonus?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Two are different entities.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being in follow-up.

Fasciculations is a visible muscle twitch but it does not result a jerk or sudden movement in a part of the body.while,
myoclonus is a sudden jerk in a part of the body or whole body due to sudden muscle contraction.

It is not easy to let you get a proper idea in words.Please watch the videos of both on Youtube and you will have no confusion.

If you have any further questions,I shall be glad to answer,else please close the thread and rate it.

Regards
Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Ajay Panwar

Neurologist

Practicing since :2007

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What Causes Involuntary Jerk Like Movements Behind Neck?

Brief Answer: Keep observing.Physical examination, if it persists. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Thanks for being on healthcaremagic.com. I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist,here to answer your query. Myoclonus jerk should be objective and visible. A subjective feeling of jerk without any actual jerk will not classify into myoclonus. Therefore I wouldn't classify it as myclonus jerk unless confirmed physically by your physician / neurologist. Further more anxiety may result in such symptoms. I suggest you to please start doing mental relaxation exercises like meditation/yoga/pranayama on a regular basis and observe for the improvement. If the symptoms still persist,please visit a Neurologist for a physical examination. First of all,this does not classify under myoclonus as such because there is no visible or actual jerk. Secondly,myoclonus to be the first symptom of MS is rare. So,directly jumping on to MS as a diagnosis is not rational. Hope that I have answered your query.If you have some follow up questions,I shall be glad to answer else please close the thread,rate it and write a review as your rating will be of help to me. Regards Dr.Ajay Panwar, MD,DM(Neurology)