ABSTRACT
While standing or sitting, the initial component of the faint consists of loss of tone. Myoclonus is seen less frequently and occurs after the collapse. The movements have been elegantly described by Lempert (19). They last for no more than 16 seconds and may be symmetrical or asymmetrical involving jaw, arms and legs in varying combinations. Myoclonus is thought to be secondary to brainstem ischaemia. These contrast with tonic-clonic seizures where there is a clear tonic phase and clonus is not dependent on the patient’s body position.
