What does it mean if a patient has clonus?
What does it mean if a patient has clonus?
Clonus is involuntary and rhythmic muscle contractions caused by a permanent lesion in descending motor neurons. Clonus may be found at the ankle, patella, triceps surae, wrist, jaw, biceps brachii.
Can clonus be normal?
Clonus can be physiologic, for instance, term infants can be hyperreflexic, and a few beats of clonus can be a normal finding in this population; however, most infants will not exhibit this finding, and most infants who will go on to demonstrate cerebral palsy will not exhibit clonus.
What is the difference between clonus and spasticity?
Spasticity and clonus result from an upper motor neuron lesion that disinhibits the tendon stretch reflex; however, they are differentiated in the fact that spasticity results in a velocity dependent tightness of muscle whereas clonus results in uncontrollable jerks of the muscle.
How do you fix clonus?
Other than medication, treatments that may help reduce clonus include:
- Physical therapy. Working with a physical therapist to stretch or exercise the muscles may help increase the range of motion in the damaged area.
- Botox injections. Some people with clonus respond well to Botox injections.
- Surgery.
- Home remedies.
Is there a cure for clonus?
Your doctor will recommend surgery only as a last resort if medications and physical therapy don’t provide any relief. Surgery for clonus often involves cutting the nerve passageways that cause abnormal muscle movement.
How can I test myself for clonus?
A physical test may also help doctors identify clonus. During this test, they will ask the person to quickly flex their foot, so their toes are pointing upward and then hold the muscle there. This may cause a sustained pulsing in the ankle. A series of these pulses may indicate clonus.
What does clonus feel like?
Clonus is a type of neurological condition that creates involuntary muscle contractions. This results in uncontrollable, rhythmic, shaking movements. People who experience clonus report repeated contractions that occur rapidly.