Palatal myoclonus (palatal tremor) is uncommon and may be related to a number of conditions.
Clinical features:
(1) The soft palate shows unilateral or bilateral rhythmic, involuntary contractions.
(2) The condition persists during phonation and sleep and if the patient is comatose.
(3) The patient may notice a "clicking" sound.
(4) It may be accompanied by nystagmus.
(5) It may be accompanied by synchronous contractions of the oropharynx, larynx, esophagus and diaphragm.
Palatal myoclonus may be associated with:
(1) stroke (involving the Guillain-Mollaret triangle)
(2) multiple sclerosis
(3) metastatic cancer
(4) astrocytic tumors in the medulla
(5) syringobulbia
(6) trauma
(7) idiopathic (essential)
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Otolaryngology, Neurology
