Re: muscle jerking - for Katy

[Guest guest]

Hi, Katy. My mom gets these, too, although they are brief in nature. Yes,

we've called them myoclonus. At times, they have caused her pain. Most of the

time, it seems to be only an annoyance. They began about 18 months after her

intiial diagnosis, if my memory serves me correctly. At first, we wondered if

they were little seizures...I still have to assure others who care for her that

they are not. I've found that if I hold Mom's legs (or whatever is affected)

tightly, it seems to stop the tremors more quickly. The tremors seem to be more

present when Mom is stressed by a physical issue or fatigue. They are very

evident with postural changes...sitting her up in bed or moving her from one

place to another (she can no longer move on her own). In those cases, hugging

her seems to help. At the very least, it's a reassurance that she is not alone

and more vulnerable to injury.

Mom's neurologist was always reluctant to treat the Parkinsonism symptoms out of

a concern for making the LBD worse.

Hope this helps a little.

Best wishes,

Lynn in Florida

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>

> My mom has recently started having what she calls the " jerks " and I'm

wondering if they are myoclonus. They are sometimes confined to one side, but

usually involve her whole body. Her feet and arms will twitch and sometimes her

whole body will rock. It may last a few moments or close to an hour. There is no

apparent rhyme or reason as to time of day. She uses a walker most of the time,

but knows to ask for help getting to her wheelchair when these are happening.

She is so afraid of falling. She says they don't hurt, but they make her tired.

She is taking Sinement, both fast acting and extended release. I know we must

walk the tightrope - more meds to help movement disorders may make her congition

worse and visa-versa. Any words of wisdom? Have any of you experienced this with

your loved ones?

> I will appreciate any insight.

> Katy; daughter to Jill, age 71

>