Clonus Treatment

In clonus, a person experiences repetitive jerky motions of the muscle, these occur especially when touched or moved. Normal clonus conditions occur in healthy people, and don't create any health problems. For example, hiccups are a type of clonus. However, severe signs of clonus can be an indication of a major health complication, which is why one needs to get diagnosed for this condition and opt for the appropriate clonus treatment.

Symptoms and Causes of Clonus

A person when suffering from the condition of clonus, experiences muscle jerks which can be described as sudden, shock-like, involuntary, intense or frequent. They can also be limited to a muscle or a muscle group, and spread from a muscle group to other body areas. In some cases, they can interfere with activities like movement and speech.

There are many causes of clonus. Listed below are some of the important ones.

• Epilepsy
• Liver failure
• Kidney failure
• Metabolic problems
• Brain tumors
• Strokes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Chemical poisoning
• Prolonged oxygen loss
• Severe spinal cord injury
• Head injury or infections
• Alzheimer's disease

Treatment for Clonus

If the signs of clonus become frequent and persistent, consult a medical practitioner. To prepare for the visit to the doctor, make a list of the symptoms you are experiencing in this condition and carry a list of all the medication and supplements you are taking, if any. After a detailed discussion with your family doctor about the seizures, medications and family history, you will be referred to a neurologist depending upon the severity of the condition. Sometimes a patient is also referred a physical therapy professional. Here, are the various types of treatment for clonus a person is generally recommended.

Medications: The most common medications prescribed for clonus treatment include immunosuppressants, anticonvulsants and tranquilizers. Clonazepam is a common tranquilizer drug, which is prescribed for the treatment of clonus. Immunosuppressants may include azathioprine and corticosteroids; and anticonvulsants such as primidone and levetiracetam are prescribed.

Physical Therapy: Physical therapy includes body workouts, stretching exercises and sometimes massages. You can do aerobic workouts at home. After a full body workout, you can follow some stretching exercises and techniques. If you are a senior citizen, refer to stretching exercises for seniors to learn about the stretching exercises for different body parts. These home care tips help to reduce the severity of clonus symptoms and aid in preventing clonus. If you are suffering from muscle jerks in a specific muscle or muscle group, then follow the stretching exercises regularly for that muscle area. For example, use ankle eversion and inversion stretches for ankle clonus.

Botox: In this therapy a person is injected with botulinum toxin type A injections, popularly known as botox injections. The botulinum toxin helps to block the release of chemicals which trigger the muscle convulsions.

Surgery: Surgery is used as clonus treatment if the person is experiencing clonus due to a lesion or tumor present in the brain or spinal cord. Surgery is performed to release the tendon or to cut the nerve muscle path.

If you are showing signs of clonus, it is imperative that you consult your family doctor for a proper diagnosis. After the exams and tests by your doctor, you will be recommended the appropriate clonus treatment.