| Baltic myoclonus disease | One of the familial light sensitive myoclonic epilepsies. Unlike Lafora body polymyoclonus, where inclusion bodies are seen in the brain cells, the prognosis is often favourable. Probably an autosomal recessive disorder. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| palatal myoclonus | Rhythmic contractions of the soft palate, the facial muscles, and the diaphragm, related to lesions of the olivocerebellar pathways. See: palatal nystagmus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cherry-red spot myoclonus syndrome | <syndrome> A neuronal storage disorder in children characterised by a cherry red spot at the macula, progressive myoclonus, and easily controlled seizures; the result of sialidase deficiency. Type 1 is characterised by normal body habitus, cherry red macula, myoclonus, and normal beta-galactosidase levels; type 2 by short stature, bony abnormalities, and deficient beta-galactosidase. Synonym: sialidosis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| myoclonus | Twitching or spasm of a muscle or a group of muscles. (27 Sep 1997) |
| myoclonus epilepsy | A clinically diverse group of epilepsy syndromes, some benign, some progressive. Many are hereditary with mendelian and nonmendelian mitochondrial inheritance. All are characterised by the occurrence of myoclonus, which may be limited or predominate in the condition. Specific syndromes include cherry red spot myoclonus syndrome, ceroid lipofuscinosis, myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibres, and Baltic myoclonus. Synonym: localization related epilepsy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| myoclonus multiplex | An ill-defined disorder marked by rapid and widespread muscle contractions. Synonym: paramyoclonus multiplex, polyclonia, polymyoclonus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| stimulus sensitive myoclonus | Myoclonus induced by a variety of stimuli, e.g., talking, calculation, loud noises, tapping, etc. (05 Mar 2000) |
| nocturnal myoclonus | Frequently repeated muscular jerks occurring at the moment of dropping off to sleep. (05 Mar 2000) |
| abdominocardiac reflex | Mechanical stimulation (usually distention) of abdominal viscera causing changes (usually a slowing) in the heart rate or the occurrence of extrasystoles. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Abrams' heart reflex | A contraction of the myocardium when the skin of the precordial region is irritated. (05 Mar 2000) |
| accommodation reflex | Increased convexity of the lens, due to contraction of the ciliary muscle and relaxation of the suspensory ligament, to maintain a distinct retinal image. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Achilles reflex | A contraction of the calf muscles when the tendo calcaneus is sharply struck. Synonym: ankle jerk, ankle reflex, tendo Achillis reflex, triceps surae reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acousticopalpebral reflex | A form of the wink reflex in which there is a contraction, sometimes very slight, of the orbicularis palpebrarum muscle when a sudden noise is made close to the ear; it is absent in labyrinthine disease with total deafness. Synonym: acousticopalpebral reflex, auropalpebral reflex, cochleo-orbicular reflex, startle reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acquired reflex | A reflex that is gradually developed by training and association through the frequent repetition of a definite stimulus. See: conditioning. Synonym: acquired reflex, behaviour reflex, trained reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acromial reflex | Contraction of the biceps muscle caused by a tap on the acromion or the coracoid process. (05 Mar 2000) |