ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Clonus

Okay, kiddo, let's talk about a word called "clonus"! Clonus is when our muscles start to shake and jerk all by themselves because our brains are sending mixed-up signals.

You know how you sometimes get a little twitch in your leg or arm when you're sitting or lying down? That's kinda what clonus feels like, except it happens a lot and for longer periods of time. And it happens because there's a problem with the way our brains and muscles are communicating.

Sometimes, people with certain medical conditions like cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis can experience clonus. It can also happen as a side effect of taking certain medications or in response to an injury or infection.

It's important to talk to a doctor if you or someone you know is experiencing clonus because it can be a sign of an underlying problem that needs to be treated. But don't worry too much - the good news is that clonus can often be managed with medications and other treatments.