Myoclonus refers to the involuntary jerking movement in seizures, but what I just learned is that people everyday experience myoclonus twitches and jerks, and it is perfectly normal. Some you may have experienced? Hiccups! Hiccups are a type of myoclonus that effects the diaphragm. Also, have you ever been drifting off to sleep and then feel like you are about to fall and your leg twitches/kicks? Also a myoclonus jerk, called a hypnic jerk. Both of these are quick, involuntary jerks of the muscles. The difference between these normal twitches and someone who has Myoclonic Epilepsy is that it usually affects their neck, shoulders, and upper arms, happens on both sides of their body at the same time, and its associated with abnormal brain activity, which shows on an EEG.
So if you're wondering what Max experiences when he has these seizures, now you have something to relate it to.
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