Palatal myoclonus is a rare condition in which there are rhythmic jerky movements or a rapid spasm of the palatal (roof of the mouth) muscles. Chronic clonus is often due to lesions of the central tegmental tract (which connects the red nucleus to the ipsilateral inferior olivary nucleus).When associated with eye movements, it is known as oculopalatal myoclonus. Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of Palatal Myoclonus include:
- A rhythmic clicking sound in the ear due to the opening and closing of the Eustachian tube.- Rhythmic, jerky movements in the face, eyeballs, tongue, jaw, vocal cord or extremities (mostly hands). Diagnosis
Classifications
physiologic, essential, epileptic, and symptomatic

Treatment
Drugs
Drugs used to treat palatal myoclonus include clonazepam, carbamazepine, baclofen, anticholinergics, tetrabenazine, valproic acid, phenytoin, lamotrigine, sumatriptan, and PIR. A rare case of palatal myoclonus that associated with orofacial buccal dystonia has been treated with Botulinum toxin A (Dysport) injection and counseling. Notes
http://www.tchain.com/otoneurology/disorders/central/opm.html
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/criot/2013/231505/
"NINDS Tremor Information Page". National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. July 20, 2007. Archived from the original on October 6, 2007. Retrieved 2007-10-08. References


== External links ==
Common laboratory test signs of ATBF are a low white blood cell count (lymphopenia) and low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), a high C-reactive protein, and mildly high liver function tests. Microbiological tests
Biopsies or cultures of a persons tick wound (eschar) are used to diagnose ATBF. However, this requires special culture media and can only be done by a laboratory with biohazard protection. There are more specialized laboratory tests available that use quantitative polymerase chain reactions (qPCR), but can only be done by laboratories with special equipment. Immunofluorescence assays can also be used, but are hard to interpret because of cross-reactions with other rickettsiae bacteria. Prevention
Prevention of ATBF centers around protecting oneself from tick bites by wearing long pants and shirt, and using insecticides like DEET on the skin. Travelers to rural areas in Africa and the West Indies should be aware that they may come in contact with ATBF tick vectors. Infection is more likely to occur in people who are traveling to rural areas or plan to spend time participating in outdoor activities. Extra caution should be taken in November - April, when Amblyomma ticks are more active. Inspection of the body, clothing, gear, and any pets after time outdoors can help to identify and remove ticks early. Treatment
African tick bite fever is usually mild, and most patients do not need more than at-home treatment with antibiotics for their illness. However, because so few patients with this infection visit a doctor, the best antibiotic choice, dose and length of treatment are not well known.