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Palatal myoclonus

Definition

Palatal myoclonus is a fast spasm (contraction) of the muscles in the roof of the mouth.

Alternative Names

Palatal tremor

Causes

Palatal myoclonus is most often due to damage (lesions) on brain nerve pathways. Stroke is the most common cause. The problem most often develops about a year after the stroke occurs. Other conditions such as multiple sclerosis, trauma, or tumor may also lead to this problem.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

  • Clicking in the ear
  • Popping in the ear
  • Fluttering sounds in the ear with normal hearing

References

Jankovic J. Parkinson disease and other movement disorders. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 96.

Kim JS, Caplan LR. Vertebrobasilar disease. In: Grotta JC, Albers GW, Broderick JP, et al, eds. Stroke: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 26.

Last reviewed December 31, 2020 by Josef Shargorodsky, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

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