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Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is a form of epilepsy. It often starts around puberty or in late childhood. One in every 14 people with epilepsy has this type. Three types of seizures can occur in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.
Absence (staring) seizures
Myoclonic seizures
Generalized tonic conic (convulsive) seizures
Absence (Staring) Seizures
This is often the first seizure type to happen and can begin as early as age 5. With these, the child does not respond to having their name called or being touched. The child stares into space for short amounts of time. There is no twitching or jerking and you may not notice them. You may think the child is daydreaming or not paying attention. About 1 out of every 3 children with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy have this type of seizure.
Myoclonic Seizures
These seizures are sudden, quick, small jerks of the arms, shoulder, or the legs. These happen most often in the early morning after waking up or after a nap. You do not blackout during these. They look “shock-like” (sometimes only felt inside and not seen). Sometimes they only happen in the fingers. It can make you look clumsy or prone to dropping things. Often these jerks are not seen as seizures. They go untreated until a convulsive seizure happens.
Generalized Tonic Conic (Convulsive) Seizures
These can happen a few months after the myoclonic seizures start.
Causes
The cause of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is not known. There are some factors that increase the chances of having it.
About 1 in 8 children with childhood absence epilepsy will later have juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.
People with a family member with epilepsy are more likely to get it.
Certain genes may cause a higher risk.
Seizure Triggers
Lack of sleep
Alcohol
Skipping doses of seizure medicine
Flickering lights such as sunlight flickering between trees, or strobe lights
Mental or emotional stress
Treatment
Most seizures are well controlled with medicine. Some people will take medicine for the rest of their lives while others may be able to lower or stop it if they haven’t had a seizure for years. You should discuss this with your doctor. If you stop medicine and myoclonic jerks return, you must restart medicine. Make sure you get enough rest and sleep. Avoid drinking alcohol. Have healthy ways to deal with stress.
To Find Out More
Epilepsy Foundation
8301 Professional Place
Landover MD 20785
www.epilepsyfoundation.org
