Does a myoclonic jerk always mean epilepsy?
On One Hand: Myoclonic Jerks are Common Epileptic BehaviorsEpilepsy is a central nervous system disorder in the brain. Many individuals with epilepsy experience myoclonic jerks, or involuntary convulsions. Reflex epilepsy disorders, such as Juvenile or Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy, are types of epileptic disorders that specifically cause myoclonic jerks.On the Other: Myoclonic Jerks Can Be Caused By Other FactorsWhile myoclonic jerks are caused by similar nervous system disruptions, these disruptions can be caused by things other than the disorder. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke state that infections, injuries and anesthesia treatments have been found to cause involuntary jerks. They’ve even been known to occur on their own.Bottom LineAnything that disrupts neural activity in the brain can cause seizures. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, there are over thirty different types of seizures. Myoclonic jerks are not alw