Jaw clonus: A rhythmic oscillatory movement, but not tremor

Abstract

Background: Jaw clonus is rhythmic, oscillatory contraction of jaw muscles induced by stretch and is caused by lesions of the descending motor neurons in the corticopontine tracts. Phenomenology shown: We illustrate jaw clonus elicited with jaw activation and upon testing of the jaw jerk in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Educational value: This video clearly demonstrates the uncommon sign of jaw clonus, a finding which needs to be distinguished from tremor and should direct the examiner to consider lesions of the corticopontine fibres, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.