Myoclonic seizures

Learn more about Myoclonic seizures and other medical symptoms..

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Myoclonic seizures are brief twitches or jerks of muscles or groups of muscles.

Symptoms
Myoclonic seizures can be described as 'jumps'. They are caused by rapid contracting and relaxation of the muscles. People without epilepsy can suffer small but similar jerks in the form of hiccups or brief twitches; these are perfectly normal.

In someone with epilepsy, myoclonic seizures cause abnormal movements on both sides of the body at the same time. In reflex epilepsies, myoclonic seizures can be brought on by flashing lights or other environmental triggers.

Types of myoclonic epilepsy
In juveline myoclonic epilepsy, seizures usually involve the neck, shoulders, and upper arms. These seizures typically occur shortly after waking up. They normally begin between puberty and early adulthood. These seizures can usually be controlled with medication, but it must be taken for life.

Lennox-Gastaut is an uncommon syndrome that normally occurs alongside other types of seizures. It begins in early childhood, and usually involve the face, neck, shoulders, and upper arms. They tend to be strong and difficult to control.

Progressive myoclonic epilepsy includes both myoclonic and tonic-clonic seizures. Treatment is not normally successful for any extended period of time.

Diagnosis
A diagnosis can be made by the medical history EEG patterns.

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