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Grippe T, Fasano A, Chen R. Different types of tremor and myoclonus in an atypical case of shaking upon standing. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2023; 111:105175. [PMID: 37271568 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2022.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Shaking upon standing is associated with a spectrum of different conditions. We describe an unusual case with a combination of slow orthostatic tremor, orthostatic myoclonus, and parkinsonism. The case illustrates the utility of electrophysiology for precise characterization of physical findings to establish the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talyta Grippe
- Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, UHN, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alfonso Fasano
- Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, UHN, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Krembil Brain Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Center for Advancing Neurotechnological Innovation to Application (CRANIA), Canada; Department of Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders Rehabilitation, Moriggia-Pelascini Hospital - Gravedona ed Uniti, Como, 22015, Italy; Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert Chen
- Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, UHN, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Krembil Brain Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Center for Advancing Neurotechnological Innovation to Application (CRANIA), Canada; Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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2
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van der Veen S, Caviness JN, Dreissen YE, Ganos C, Ibrahim A, Koelman JH, Stefani A, Tijssen MA. Myoclonus and other jerky movement disorders. Clin Neurophysiol Pract 2022; 7:285-316. [PMID: 36324989 PMCID: PMC9619152 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnp.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Myoclonus and other jerky movements form a large heterogeneous group of disorders. Clinical neurophysiology studies can have an important contribution to support diagnosis but also to gain insight in the pathophysiology of different kind of jerks. This review focuses on myoclonus, tics, startle disorders, restless legs syndrome, and periodic leg movements during sleep. Myoclonus is defined as brief, shock-like movements, and subtypes can be classified based the anatomical origin. Both the clinical phenotype and the neurophysiological tests support this classification: cortical, cortical-subcortical, subcortical/non-segmental, segmental, peripheral, and functional jerks. The most important techniques used are polymyography and the combination of electromyography-electroencephalography focused on jerk-locked back-averaging, cortico-muscular coherence, and the Bereitschaftspotential. Clinically, the differential diagnosis of myoclonus includes tics, and this diagnosis is mainly based on the history with premonitory urges and the ability to suppress the tic. Electrophysiological tests are mainly applied in a research setting and include the Bereitschaftspotential, local field potentials, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and pre-pulse inhibition. Jerks due to a startling stimulus form the group of startle syndromes. This group includes disorders with an exaggerated startle reflex, such as hyperekplexia and stiff person syndrome, but also neuropsychiatric and stimulus-induced disorders. For these disorders polymyography combined with a startling stimulus can be useful to determine the pattern of muscle activation and thus the diagnosis. Assessment of symptoms in restless legs syndrome and periodic leg movements during sleep can be performed with different validated scoring criteria with the help of electromyography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sterre van der Veen
- Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands,Expertise Centre Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - John N. Caviness
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Movement Neurophysiology Laboratory, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Yasmine E.M. Dreissen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christos Ganos
- Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation Unit, Department of Neurology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Abubaker Ibrahim
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johannes H.T.M. Koelman
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ambra Stefani
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marina A.J. Tijssen
- Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands,Expertise Centre Movement Disorders Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands,Corresponding author at: Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Tai YC, Kuo HC, Wu Y, Hsu SP. Orthostatic myoclonus - A retrospective study of Asian patients. J Formos Med Assoc 2021; 121:1310-1316. [PMID: 34656403 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2021.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Orthostatic myoclonus (OM) is myoclonic jerks in both legs during standing. It may relate to gait unsteadiness and may be associated with various diagnoses, including neurodegenerative, systemic, and musculoskeletal diseases. Diagnosis is based on the surface electromyography (SEMG). METHODS From January 2016 to June 2020, we retrospectively reviewed 35 patients diagnosed with OM based on the SEMG criteria and analyzed the electrophysiological data. RESULTS The mean age was 75.3±8.9. Disease duration ranged from 2 days to several years. Genders were equally affected. The most common symptom was gait disturbance, and the next was leg tremulous sensation, followed by backward disequilibrium. 28.6% of our patients had falls. Electrophysiologically, bursting duration shorter than 100 ms supported the myoclonic origin from the cortex. The bursting activity occurred only on the upright and weight-bearing leg. The associated diagnoses included lumbosacral radiculopathy (28.6%), lumbosacral radiculopathy plus myasthenia gravis (2.9%), lumbosacral radiculopathy plus vascular parkinsonism (5.7%), diabetic polyneuropathy (5.7%), vascular parkinsonism (17.1%), Parkinson's disease (PD) (14.2%), normal pressure hydrocephalus (5.7%), medication-induced parkinsonism (2.9%), cervical myelopathy (2.9%), medication-related myoclonus (2.9%), and unknown (11.4%). In PD, OM was present before, along with, or after PD diagnosis. The myoclonic activity disrupted the parkinsonian tremor upon standing on SEMG. CONCLUSION OM is a syndrome instead of a diagnosis. It is more prevalent in the elderly with gait disturbance and patients will not necessarily fall. It is associated with central and peripheral nerve system disorders, systemic diseases, and medication use. We hypothesize that OM is a pathological disintegration of motor circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Cheng Tai
- Department of Neurology, E-DA Hospital /I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chang Kuo
- Department of Neurology, E-DA Cancer Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yihui Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Pingtung Christian Hospital, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Pin Hsu
- Department of Neurology, E-DA Hospital /I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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3-Hz Postural Tremor in MSA-C and SCA: Revisiting an Old but Underestimated Cerebellar Sign by Posturography. THE CEREBELLUM 2020; 20:246-253. [PMID: 33164129 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-020-01209-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and electrophysiological features of 3-Hz postural tremor in multiple system atrophy-cerebellar type and spinocerebellar ataxia. A static posturography examination was administered to 37 persons with spinocerebellar ataxia, 58 others with the cerebellar type of multiple system atrophy, and 53 healthy controls. During the sensory organization tests of 5 multiple system atrophy patients, surface electromyograms were recorded from bilateral tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius muscles. The patients with multiple system atrophy had, on average, significantly higher scores on the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale and significantly greater prevalence of cross sign. Almost 80% of them fell during the posturography testing compared with two-thirds of the spinocerebellar ataxia patients. Twenty-seven percent of the spinocerebellar ataxia patients and 82.8% of those with multiple system atrophy displayed postural tremor with a frequency of approximately 3 Hz. The tremor's frequency tended to be lower in the spinocerebellar ataxia patients. The surface electromyography revealed highly coherent tremor activity at about 3 Hz in the patients' bilateral tibialis anterior and alternating firing in the bilateral antagonist muscles. Combining cross sign with a subject's static score of the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale and occurrence of the tremor produced an indicator able to differentiate the two conditions with a sensitivity of 87.9% and a specificity of 89.2%. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for the indicator was 0.942. Three-hertz postural tremor is relatively characteristic of cerebellar type of multiple system atrophy and appears at an early stage of the disease. Identification of the tremor by posturography will facilitate its diagnosis.
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Two cases with postural axial tremor: Consider a genetic origin. Expert commentary. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2020; 77:155-156. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2020.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Merchant SHI, Vial-Undurraga F, Leodori G, van Gerpen JA, Hallett M. Myoclonus: An Electrophysiological Diagnosis. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2020; 7:489-499. [PMID: 32626792 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.12986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many different movement disorders have similar "jerk-like" phenomenology and can be misconstrued as myoclonus. Different types of myoclonus also share similar phenomenological characteristics that can be difficult to distinguish solely based on clinical exam. However, they have distinctive physiologic characteristics that can help refine categorization of jerk-like movements. Objectives In this review, we briefly summarize the clinical, physiologic, and pathophysiologic characteristics of different types of myoclonus. The methodology and technical considerations for the electrophysiologic assessment of jerk-like movements are reviewed. A simplistic pragmatic approach for the classification of myoclonus and other jerk-like movements based on objective electrophysiologic characteristics is proposed. Conclusions Clinical neurophysiology is an underutilized tool in the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders. Various jerk-like movements have distinguishing physiologic characteristics, differentiated in the milliseconds range, which is beyond human capacity. We argue that the categorization of movement disorders as myoclonus can be refined based on objective physiology that can have important prognostic and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jay A van Gerpen
- Department of Neurology University of Alabama Huntsville Alabama USA
| | - Mark Hallett
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institutes of Health Bethesda Maryland USA
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Grippe T, Cunha NSCD, BrandÃo PRDP, Fernandez RNM, Cardoso FEC. How can neurophysiological studies help with movement disorders characterization in clinical practice? A review. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2020; 78:512-522. [PMID: 32901697 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20190195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurophysiological studies are ancillary tools to better understand the features and nature of movement disorders. Electromyography (EMG), together with electroencephalography (EEG) and accelerometer, can be used to evaluate a hypo and hyperkinetic spectrum of movements. Specific techniques can be applied to better characterize the phenomenology, help distinguish functional from organic origin and assess the most probable site of the movement generator in the nervous system. OBJECTIVE We intend to provide an update for clinicians on helpful neurophysiological tools to assess movement disorders in clinical practice. METHODS Non-systematic review of the literature published up to June 2019. RESULTS A diversity of protocols was found and described. These include EMG analyses to define dystonia, myoclonus, myokymia, myorhythmia, and painful legs moving toes pattern; EMG in combination with accelerometer to study tremor; and EEG-EMG to study myoclonus. Also, indirect measures of cortical and brainstem excitability help to describe and diagnose abnormal physiology in Parkinson's disease, atypical parkinsonism, dystonia, and myoclonus. CONCLUSION These studies can be helpful for the diagnosis and are usually underutilized in neurological practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talyta Grippe
- Centro Universitário de Brasília, Faculdade de Medicina, Brasília DF, Brazil.,Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal, Departamento de Neurologia, Brasília DF, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Francisco Eduardo Costa Cardoso
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Unidade de Distúrbios do Movimento, Belo Horizonte MG, Brazil
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Muñoz-Delgado L, Macías-García D, Jesús S, Adarmes-Gómez A, Palomar FJ, Carrillo F, Mir P. Orthostatic Myoclonus Secondary to Central Pontine Myelinolysis. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2020; 7:335-337. [PMID: 32258236 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.12917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Muñoz-Delgado
- Unidad de Trastornos del Movimiento, Servicio de Neurología y Neurofisiología Clínica, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla Seville Spain
| | - Daniel Macías-García
- Unidad de Trastornos del Movimiento, Servicio de Neurología y Neurofisiología Clínica, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla Seville Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) Spain
| | - Silvia Jesús
- Unidad de Trastornos del Movimiento, Servicio de Neurología y Neurofisiología Clínica, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla Seville Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) Spain
| | - Astrid Adarmes-Gómez
- Unidad de Trastornos del Movimiento, Servicio de Neurología y Neurofisiología Clínica, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla Seville Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) Spain
| | - Francisco J Palomar
- Unidad de Trastornos del Movimiento, Servicio de Neurología y Neurofisiología Clínica, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla Seville Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) Spain
| | - Fátima Carrillo
- Unidad de Trastornos del Movimiento, Servicio de Neurología y Neurofisiología Clínica, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla Seville Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) Spain
| | - Pablo Mir
- Unidad de Trastornos del Movimiento, Servicio de Neurología y Neurofisiología Clínica, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla Seville Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) Spain
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Miremadi BB, Tran A, Wadi LC, Suzuki S, Fisher MJ. Bilateral Limb-Shaking Transient Ischemic Attacks. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2019; 29:104577. [PMID: 31836357 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2019.104577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Limb shaking is a rare manifestation of transient ischemic attacks (TIA) associated with carotid occlusion, mostly unilateral events. We describe the case of a 69 year-old man who presented with repeated episodes of irregular jerking movements in the bilateral upper and lower extremities, precipitated by standing up. Cerebral angiograms revealed occlusion of both internal carotid arteries, and the patient's symptoms responded to targeted blood pressure management. Physicians should be mindful of bilateral limb-shaking TIA when presented with bilateral paroxysmal events that can mimic seizures or orthostatic hyperkinesia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - An Tran
- Department of Neurology, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, California
| | - Lara C Wadi
- Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, California
| | - Shuichi Suzuki
- Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, California; Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Irvine, California
| | - Mark J Fisher
- Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, California; Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California Irvine, California.
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10
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Lance JW, Waller SE. Drop attacks of the elderly. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2019; 90:720-723. [PMID: 30455403 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2018-319484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James W Lance
- Emeritus Professor of Neurology, Prince of Wales Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sophie E Waller
- Division of Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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11
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[Rare tremor syndromes]. DER NERVENARZT 2018; 89:386-393. [PMID: 29327098 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-017-0477-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a group of uncommon sporadic tremor syndromes, which are only partially taken into account in the current classification of tremor. Their knowledge is of diagnostic and therapeutic relevance and they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of frequent tremor syndromes. OBJECTIVE Differential diagnostics and treatment of uncommon tremor syndromes. METHOD Literature search (PubMed, Google Scholar). RESULTS Holmes tremor, myorhythmia, palatal tremor, limb-shaking transient ischemic attack (TIA), tardive tremor, neuropathic tremor, tremor induced by peripheral trauma and orthostatic tremor syndrome are described. CONCLUSION Uncommon sporadic tremor syndromes are mainly symptomatic with various underlying neurological or systemic pathologies. Their recognition accelerates the diagnostic process and has therapeutic relevance.
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Electrophysiological Investigations in Orthostatic Myoclonus: Preliminary Findings. Can J Neurol Sci 2017; 45:100-103. [PMID: 29110740 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2017.241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We report the clinical and electrophysiological findings in seven patients with orthostatic myoclonus (OM) associated with gait initiation failure and falls. OM is one of the causes of unsteadiness of stance and gait, and it may develop as a symptom of neurodegenerative disorders. Both positive myoclonic bursts and negative myoclonus may be seen in electrophysiological recordings, and electrophysiological analysis suggests a subcortical origin for OM.
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van Gerpen J, Hassan A. Comment on “Orthostatic myoclonus after brain tumor radiation: Insights from two lesional cases”. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2017; 44:157. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2017.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Bhatti D, Thompson R, Hellman A, Penke C, Bertoni JM, Torres-Russotto D. Smartphone Apps Provide a Simple, Accurate Bedside Screening Tool for Orthostatic Tremor. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2017; 4:852-857. [PMID: 30363432 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.12547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Orthostatic Tremor (OT) is characterized by the presence of a sensation of instability while standing, associated with high frequency (13-18 Hz) lower extremity tremor. Diagnosis is confirmed with surface electromyography (EMG). An accurate screening tool that could be used in the routine clinical setting, without any specialized equipment, would be useful in earlier detection of OT and judicial use of additional testing. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate OT diagnostic test characteristics at bedside using iPhone's built-in accelerometer and available applications for tremor recordings. Methods We obtained recordings using iPhones (Model 5, 5s, and 6) and free Applications ("LiftPulse" by LiftLabs [App1] and "iSeismometer" by ObjectGraph LLC [App2]) at default settings. Results 24 EMG-confirmed OT subjects (mostly females, 22/24) and 15 age-matched controls (mostly males, 11/15) were evaluated. App1 detected OT range tremor in 22/24 patients and none of the controls. (Sensitivity = 92%, Specificity = 100%, NPV = 88%). App2 detected OT range tremor in 21/24 patients and in 1/13 controls (Sensitivity = 88%, Specificity = 92%, NPV = 80%). When combined, 24/24 patients and 1/13 controls had OT range tremor (Sensitivity = 100%, Specificity = 92%, NPV = 100%). Conclusions Smartphone apps that use the built-in accelerometer provide a simple, accurate and inexpensive bedside screening diagnostic tool for patients with OT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danish Bhatti
- Department of Neurological Sciences University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha Nebraska
| | - Rebecca Thompson
- Department of Neurological Sciences University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha Nebraska
| | - Amy Hellman
- Department of Neurological Sciences University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha Nebraska
| | - Cynthia Penke
- Department of Neurological Sciences University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha Nebraska
| | - John M Bertoni
- Department of Neurological Sciences University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha Nebraska
| | - Diego Torres-Russotto
- Department of Neurological Sciences University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha Nebraska
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Eberhardt O, Topka H. Myoclonic Disorders. Brain Sci 2017; 7:E103. [PMID: 28805718 PMCID: PMC5575623 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci7080103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Few movement disorders seem to make a straightforward approach to diagnosis and treatment more difficult and frustrating than myoclonus, due to its plethora of causes and its variable classifications. Nevertheless, in recent years, exciting advances have been made in the elucidation of the pathophysiology and genetic basis of many disorders presenting with myoclonus. Here, we provide a review of all of the important types of myoclonus encountered in pediatric and adult neurology, with an emphasis on the recent developments that have led to a deeper understanding of this intriguing phenomenon. An up-to-date list of the genetic basis of all major myoclonic disorders is presented. Randomized studies are scarce in myoclonus therapy, but helpful pragmatic approaches at diagnosis as well as treatment have been recently suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaf Eberhardt
- Klinik für Neurologie, Klinikum Bogenhausen, Städt. Klinikum München GmbH, Englschalkinger Str. 77, 81925 München, Germany.
| | - Helge Topka
- Klinik für Neurologie, Klinikum Bogenhausen, Städt. Klinikum München GmbH, Englschalkinger Str. 77, 81925 München, Germany.
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Different orthostatic hyperkinesias go "Thump". Clin Neurophysiol Pract 2017; 2:144-146. [PMID: 30214987 PMCID: PMC6123872 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnp.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Cutsforth-Gregory JK, Hammack JE, Matsumoto JY. Orthostatic myoclonus after brain tumor radiation: Insights from two lesional cases. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2017; 41:109-112. [PMID: 28457650 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2017.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Orthostatic myoclonus (OM) is a recognized syndrome of gait unsteadiness accompanied by lower limb myoclonus provoked by the assumption of an upright posture. OM typically affects the elderly and is often associated with neurodegenerative disease. We sought to review the clinical and electrophysiologic characteristics of OM due to brain tumor treatment, the first reported lesional cases of this rare disorder. METHODS The database of the Mayo Clinic Rochester Movement Disorders Laboratory was searched for all patients diagnosed with OM from January 2007 to December 2016. All available clinical, radiographic, and surface electromyographic data were reviewed, and patients with a history of primary or metastatic brain tumor were analyzed. RESULTS Two patients with OM and brain tumor were identified; both had undergone tumor resection and targeted brain radiation. Both patients complained of unsteadiness while walking and recurrent falls. Tumor pathology (atypical meningioma, gliosarcoma) was centered in the frontal lobe and extended to the supplementary motor area (SMA), pre-SMA, or prefrontal cortex. Medications did not improve gait. CONCLUSION Two cases of brain tumor-related OM suggest that degeneration of frontal motor programming circuits underlies the pathophysiology of OM.
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Hassan A, van Gerpen JA. Orthostatic Tremor and Orthostatic Myoclonus: Weight-bearing Hyperkinetic Disorders: A Systematic Review, New Insights, and Unresolved Questions. TREMOR AND OTHER HYPERKINETIC MOVEMENTS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2017; 6:417. [PMID: 28105385 PMCID: PMC5233784 DOI: 10.7916/d84x584k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthostatic tremor (OT) and orthostatic myoclonus (OM) are weight-bearing hyperkinetic movement disorders most commonly affecting older people that induce "shaky legs" upon standing. OT is divided into "classical" and "slow" forms based on tremor frequency. In this paper, the first joint review of OT and OM, we review the literature and compare and contrast their demographic, clinical, electrophysiological, neuroimaging, pathophysiological, and treatment characteristics. METHODS A PubMed search up to July 2016 using the phrases "orthostatic tremor," "orthostatic myoclonus," "shaky legs," and "shaky legs syndrome" was performed. RESULTS OT and OM should be suspected in older patients reporting unsteadiness with prolonged standing and/or who exhibit cautious, wide-based gaits. Surface electromyography (SEMG) is necessary to verify the diagnoses. Functional neuroimaging and electrophysiology suggest the generator of classical OT lies within the cerebellothalamocortical network. For OM, and possibly slow OT, the frontal, subcortical cerebrum is the most likely origin. Clonazepam is the most useful medication for classical OT, and levetiracetam for OM, although results are often disappointing. Deep brain stimulation appears promising for classical OT. Rolling walkers reliably improve gait affected by these disorders, as both OT and OM attenuate when weight is transferred from the legs to the arms. DISCUSSION Orthostatic hyperkinesias are likely underdiagnosed, as SEMG is often unavailable in clinical practice, and thus may be more frequent than currently recognized. The shared weight-bearing induction of OT and OM may indicate a common pathophysiology. Further research, including use of animal models, is necessary to better define the prevalence and pathophysiology of OT and OM, in order to improve their treatment, and provide additional insights into basic balance and gait mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anhar Hassan
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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van Gerpen JA, Gövert F, Ahlskog JE, Chen R, Fung VS, Hallett M, Deuschl G, Leypoldt F. Orthostatic myoclonus associated with Caspr2 antibodiesAuthor Response. Neurology 2016; 87:1187-8. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000003140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Four cases of orthostatic myoclonus. J Clin Neurosci 2016; 29:180-2. [PMID: 26916904 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2015.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Revised: 12/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Orthostatic unsteadiness (unsteadiness on standing) is a relatively common symptom and can have neurological or non-neurological causes. Glass et al. have recently described a syndrome presenting with unsteadiness or leg jerking during standing or gait initiation difficulty which they have termed orthostatic myoclonus (OM). OM is a disabling syndrome but potentially treatable. It may develop on the background of neurodegenerative disease; other causes include pro-myoclonic drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants. In order to increase awareness of this syndrome, we report four patients with electrophysiologically confirmed OM who were referred to the movement disorder unit for lower limb tremor studies. All four patients presented with unsteadiness on standing. There were no signs suggestive of neurodegenerative disease and three of the patients had a provisional diagnosis of orthostatic tremor. The diagnosis of OM was supported by a surface electromyography showing 9-16Hz, non-rhythmic muscle bursts with burst duration of 50-100ms during standing. OM is unrecognised by many physicians as a cause of orthostatic intolerance. The most common syndrome with which OM may be confused is orthostatic tremor. A correct diagnosis is important as it may respond to treatment with clonazepam, gabapentin or piracetam.
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Termsarasab P, Frucht SJ. Cortical Tremor (CT) with coincident orthostatic movements. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MOVEMENT DISORDERS 2016; 2:7. [PMID: 26788343 PMCID: PMC4711036 DOI: 10.1186/s40734-014-0013-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cortical tremor (CT) is a form of cortical reflex myoclonus that can mimic essential tremor (ET). Clinical features that are helpful in distinguishing CT from ET are the irregular and jerky appearance of the movements. We report two patients with CT with coexisting orthostatic movements, either orthostatic tremor (OT) or myoclonus, who experienced functional improvement in both cortical myoclonus and orthostatic movements when treated with levetiracetam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pichet Termsarasab
- Department of Neurology, Movement Disorder Division, 5 East 98th St, New York, NY 10029 USA ; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Steven J Frucht
- Department of Neurology, Movement Disorder Division, 5 East 98th St, New York, NY 10029 USA ; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
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Hassan A, Ahlskog JE, Matsumoto JY, Milber JM, Bower JH, Wilkinson JR. Orthostatic tremor: Clinical, electrophysiologic, and treatment findings in 184 patients. Neurology 2016; 86:458-64. [PMID: 26747880 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000002328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical, electrophysiologic, and treatment outcome features of orthostatic tremor (OT) in a large case series. METHODS We performed medical record review of 184 patients who met clinical and electrodiagnostic criteria for OT from 1976 to 2013 at the Mayo Clinic. Demographic, clinical, electrophysiologic, and treatment data were extracted. RESULTS The majority of OT cases were female (63.6%) and mean age at onset was 59.3 years (range 13-85 years). Diagnosis was delayed by a mean of 7.2 years (range 0-44 years). The average tremor frequency was 15.7 Hz (range 12.5-20 Hz), and transmitted to the arms on weight-bearing (95.5%). Patients reported a spectrum of progressive orthostatic leg symptoms, relieved by sitting or leaning. Falls were reported in 24.1%. Coexistent neurologic disorders included essential tremor (22.8%), other tremor (4.9%), and parkinsonism (8.7%). Family history of OT was noted in 4.9%. Of 46 medications trialed, 24 failed to provide any benefit. Benzodiazepines provided at least mild benefit in 55.9%, and moderate to marked benefit in 31.5%; β-blockers (31.0%) and anticonvulsants (25.0%) provided mild benefit, and the remainder were largely ineffective. Medication benefit waned over time. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) was effective in 2 cases. CONCLUSION OT predominantly affects female seniors, and the diagnosis should be considered with any orthostatic-induced leg symptoms, and confirmed by surface EMG. Benzodiazepines are the most efficacious treatment, followed by β-blockers and anticonvulsants. DBS should be further explored for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anhar Hassan
- From the Department of Neurology (A.H., J.E.A., J.Y.M., J.H.B.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; SUNY Downstate College of Medicine (J.M.M.), Brooklyn, NY; University of Pennsylvania (J.R.W.), Philadelphia; and Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center (PADRECC) (J.R.W.), Philadelphia VA Medical Center, PA.
| | - J Eric Ahlskog
- From the Department of Neurology (A.H., J.E.A., J.Y.M., J.H.B.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; SUNY Downstate College of Medicine (J.M.M.), Brooklyn, NY; University of Pennsylvania (J.R.W.), Philadelphia; and Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center (PADRECC) (J.R.W.), Philadelphia VA Medical Center, PA
| | - Joseph Y Matsumoto
- From the Department of Neurology (A.H., J.E.A., J.Y.M., J.H.B.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; SUNY Downstate College of Medicine (J.M.M.), Brooklyn, NY; University of Pennsylvania (J.R.W.), Philadelphia; and Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center (PADRECC) (J.R.W.), Philadelphia VA Medical Center, PA
| | - Joshua M Milber
- From the Department of Neurology (A.H., J.E.A., J.Y.M., J.H.B.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; SUNY Downstate College of Medicine (J.M.M.), Brooklyn, NY; University of Pennsylvania (J.R.W.), Philadelphia; and Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center (PADRECC) (J.R.W.), Philadelphia VA Medical Center, PA
| | - James H Bower
- From the Department of Neurology (A.H., J.E.A., J.Y.M., J.H.B.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; SUNY Downstate College of Medicine (J.M.M.), Brooklyn, NY; University of Pennsylvania (J.R.W.), Philadelphia; and Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center (PADRECC) (J.R.W.), Philadelphia VA Medical Center, PA
| | - Jayne R Wilkinson
- From the Department of Neurology (A.H., J.E.A., J.Y.M., J.H.B.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN; SUNY Downstate College of Medicine (J.M.M.), Brooklyn, NY; University of Pennsylvania (J.R.W.), Philadelphia; and Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center (PADRECC) (J.R.W.), Philadelphia VA Medical Center, PA
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Termsarasab P, Thammongkolchai T, Frucht SJ. Spinal-generated movement disorders: a clinical review. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MOVEMENT DISORDERS 2015; 2:18. [PMID: 26788354 PMCID: PMC4711055 DOI: 10.1186/s40734-015-0028-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Spinal-generated movement disorders (SGMDs) include spinal segmental myoclonus, propriospinal myoclonus, orthostatic tremor, secondary paroxysmal dyskinesias, stiff person syndrome and its variants, movements in brain death, and painful legs-moving toes syndrome. In this paper, we review the relevant anatomy and physiology of SGMDs, characterize and demonstrate their clinical features, and present a practical approach to the diagnosis and management of these unusual disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pichet Termsarasab
- />Department of Neurology, Movement Disorder Division, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- />Department of Medicine, Neurology Division, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Steven J. Frucht
- />Department of Neurology, Movement Disorder Division, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
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Rigby HB, Rigby MH, Caviness JN. Orthostatic Tremor: A Spectrum of Fast and Slow Frequencies or Distinct Entities? Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y) 2015; 5:324. [PMID: 26317042 PMCID: PMC4548762 DOI: 10.7916/d8s75fhk] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthostatic tremor (OT) is defined by the presence of a high-frequency (13-18 Hz) tremor of the legs upon standing associated with a feeling of unsteadiness. However, some patients have discharge frequencies of <13 Hz, so-called "slow OT". The aim of this study was to characterize patients with unsteadiness upon standing found to have <13 Hz tremor discharges on neurophysiologic testing. METHODS A retrospective review was performed on all subjects with a diagnosis of OT who were referred to the Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, between 1999 and 2013 for confirmation using neurophysiology. RESULTS Fourteen of 28 subjects (50%) had OT discharges of <13 Hz, of whom eight had frequencies of <10 Hz and six had frequencies of 10-13 Hz. Lower frequency discharges tended to have a broader spectral peak, greater variability in discharge duration, and lower inter-muscular coherence. Subjects with <13 Hz OT had shorter mean disease duration at time of neurophysiology testing (2.00 years in <10 Hz group, 7.96 years 10-13 Hz group, and 11.43 years >13 Hz; p = 0.002). The proportion of subjects who experienced gait unsteadiness (85.7% vs. 66.6% vs. 21.4%; p = 0.016), falls (37.5% vs. 50% vs. 0%; p = 0.010), and had abnormal gait on examination (71.4% vs. 66.0% vs. 14.3%; p = 0.017) was greater in those with low and intermediate frequencies. DISCUSSION Slow tremor electromyography frequencies (<13 Hz) may characterize a substantial proportion of patients labeled as OT. These subjects may have greater gait involvement and higher likelihood of falls leading to earlier presentation to subspecialty care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather B. Rigby
- Department of Neurology, Movement Disorders Center, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
- Division of Neurology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Matthew H. Rigby
- Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - John N. Caviness
- Department of Neurology, Movement Disorders Center, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
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Ondo W. Response to “Shaky legs: More than meets the eyes (or ears)”. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2015; 21:163. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2014.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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