Pathophysiology and treatment of myoclonus.

Myoclonus is defined as sudden, brief, shock-like, involuntary movements caused by muscular contractions or inhibitions. Etiologic classification organizes the myoclonus disorders and provides major categories of clinical presentation. However, classifying myoclonus according to its source provides insight about its pathophysiology. The best strategy for symptomatic treatment is derived from defining the pathophysiology by way of source physiologic classification.