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J. L. Medina, MD; S. Chokroverty, MBBS, MRCP; M. G. Reyes, MD
Neurology Service Hines VA Hospital Hines, IL 60141

Arch Neurol. 1977;34(2):133.

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In Reply.—

Since the introduction of the term "myokymia" by Schultze¹ in 1895, there has been some confusion about its use and distinction from fasciculation. Dr Norris does not seem to distinguish myokymia from fasciculation; but we agree with most authors^2.3 that there are clinical and electromyographic differences. Fasciculations are spontaneous, brief contractions of isolated bundles of muscle fibers and these appear in the electromyograms as single normal or abnormal motor unit potentials.³ Myokymias are spontaneous, slow, undulating contractions of broad strips of muscle and the electromyographic pattern is characterized by prolonged bursts of motor unit potentials or regular repetitive groups of potentials.³

Certainly, fasciculations are occasionally seen in peripheral nerve lesions, but our patient's clinical and electromyographic findings are those of myokymia.

In response to the question of unknown factor in the spinal cord as raised by Dr Norris, we would like to direct his . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

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