Jerky Movements
Also characteristic of epilepsy are seizures. Seizures are frequently characterised by jerky movements of the limbs and legs, though this is not always the case. This is known as a myoclonic seizure. This sudden erratic movement is caused by a pathology in the brain’s conduction. In epilepsy, increased stimulation and decreased inhibition of nerve impulses result in muscle spasms. The muscles may be activated, followed by the brain’s loss of control over those actions. Jerks result from a sudden signal of inhibition of that action. This typically entails the muscles of the arms, legs, and shoulders. Additionally, facial muscles may exhibit quivering, resulting in an incomprehensible facial expression. The duration of these symptoms of uncontrolled muscle action is only a few seconds. In the tonic-clonic form of epilepsy, these are readily apparent.
