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Continuous rhythmic lingual myoclonus is a rare disorder, usually described in association with palatal myoclonus. Isolated lingual myoclonus is exceptionally reported [1-6]. We recently observed a case of transient rhythmic myoclonus of the tongue, in which there was no evidence of pathology.
A 35-year-old, right-handed woman was admitted to the Neurological Clinic of the University of Parma, Italy, on January 14, 1997, due to the sudden onset (about 5 h before) of lingual involuntary movements. Family and personal past medical history revealed no head injuries, movement disorders or epilepsy. No drug had been consumed, for at least the previous 10 years. Neurological examination revealed continuous, rhythmic contractions of both lingual edges, prevailing on the right side, that caused shortening and a Ushaped profile of the tongue. Protrusion, intrusion, lateral movements of the tongue, touch or tapping did not modify the lingual jerks, while emotional stress enhanced them. Speech was mildly dysarthric, with forced palatalization of some words. No soft palate or other branchial muscle involvement was observed. Extraocular movements were normal, without nystagmus. The remaining neurological and general examinations were normal. Routine blood samples, EEG, BAEPs, SEPs and neuroimaging (MRI) were completely normal. EMG recorded by surface electrodes from genioglossal and...