Rhythmic Jaw Movements in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Is It Clonus or Tremor?

Abstract

Background: Jaw clonus refers to involuntary, rhythmic jaw contractions induced by a hyperactive trigeminal nerve stretch reflex; however, the movements, when triggered without a stretch, can be confused with a tremor.

Phenomenology shown: This video demonstrates a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis presenting with rapid rhythmic jaw movements seen at rest, alongside a power spectrum analysis revealing a narrow high-frequency peak of 10 Hz.

Educational value: Rhythmic jaw movements are seen in many disorders such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, tardive syndromes, and cranial myorhythmias; however, a high-frequency movement, regardless of clonus or tremor, can indicate amyotrophic lateral sclerosis when accompanied by typical upper and lower motor neuron signs.

Highlights: The presented video abstract shows a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with rhythmic jaw movements seen at rest. A power spectrum analysis of the rhythmic movements revealed a 10 Hz peak, a frequency higher than those seen in patients with Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, myorhythmia, and tardive syndromes.