fasciculations - 1988 Australian research

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Aust Paediatr J. 1988;24 Suppl 1:113-5.

Association of lower motor neuron disorders with fasciculation,

neuromyotonia and myoclonus.

Lance JW.

Department of Neurology, Prince Henry Hospital, New South Wales,

Australia.

Fasciculations may be generated at any point on a hyperexcitable

lower motor neuron. Physiological ('benign') fasciculations often

begin suddenly and persist for years without development of muscular

wasting or weakness. Fasciculations may be a sign of degeneration of

lower motor neurons in which case they may be associated with muscle

cramps and neuromyotonia. Both sensory and motor axons are overactive

in neuromyotonia, the symptoms of which are relieved by

administration of anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine. Spinal

muscular atrophy is a feature in some cases of progressive myoclonic

epilepsy of the systems degeneration type that may be overlooked

because muscular wasting is overshadowed by the dramatic appearance

of action myoclonus.