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Palatal myoclonus
Palatal tremor
Palatal myoclonus is a fast spasm (contraction) of the muscles in the roof of the mouth.
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.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack. " If blood flow is cut off for longer th...
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
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: Daroff RB, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, eds. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 96.
Kim JS, Caplan LR. Verterobasilar disease. In: Grotta JC, Albers GW, Broderick JP, et al, eds. Stroke: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 26.
Review Date: 12/20/2016
Reviewed By: Sumana Jothi MD, specialist in laryngology, Assistant Clinical Professor, UCSF Otolaryngology, NCHCS VA, SFVA, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
