Myoclonic Epilepsy

Question: In the summer i was diagnosed with juvenlie myoclonic epilepsy could a seizure happen at night? this past summer i was diagnosed with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. could a seizure happen at night or in the afternoon? most of the seizurs i had were in the morning. i am on medication. i haven't had a seizure since the summer.

Answer: Yes they can happen any time. I'll send U some sites too. It is generally outgrown. This syndrome typically arises after three years of age and is considered benign because children usually outgrow it by adolescence. In most children with benign rolandic epilepsy (BRE), seizures are infrequent and in some cases do not require medication. Characteristic manifestations of the syndrome begin with a sensation at the corner of the mouth and drooling, followed by jerking of the mouth that can progress to the rest of that side of the face, and sometimes to that entire side of the body. Although children remain conscious during this type of seizure, they are usually unable to speak for a period of time during and after the seizure. Seizures occur more commonly at night, especially during particular stages of sleep. Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) This syndrome typically begins in late childhood or early adolescence. It is characterized by mild myoclonic jerks as the individual is going to sleep or waking. Children describe intense feelings of jumpiness that generally subside after about 30 minutes. In addition to the myoclonic seizures, children with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) may also have periodic tonic-clonic seizures http://www.massgeneral.org/childhoodepil… http://www.my.epilepsy.com/ http://www.ionchannels.org/showabstract.… http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ This is a world of information 4 U. I hope this helps U.

Question: could i die from juvenile myoclonic epilepsy? could i die from juvenile myoclonic epilepsy?

Answer: No. It won't kill you. For a little reassurance and some more information, see the following Web site: http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/epileps…

Question: Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy common? because my sister and I have been having jerks and full body twitches. (which both of our teachers and friends have commented on) and my sister already has many medical problems, so her doctor suggested that it could be Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, but I have experienced the same thing. and I usually have those jerks, or twitches 3 times a day. and often if I'm holding something, it either falls on the ground or goes across the room. Could this be a sign of Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy? by the way, I'm 13.

Answer: juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JEM), also known as Janz syndrome, is a fairly common form of idiopathic generalized epilepsy, representing 5-10% of all epilepsy's. This disorder typically first manifests itself between the ages of 12 and 18 with myoclonus occurring early in the morning. Most patients also have tonic-clonic seizures and many also have absence seizures. Linkage studies have demonstrated at least 6 loci for JME, 4 with known causative genes. Most of these genes are ion channels with the one non-ion channel gene having been shown to affect ion channel currents. Signs of JME are myoclonus occurring early in the morning. This rarely results in patients falling, but rather dropping objects. Attacks of myoclonia are more common in the arms than the legs. Other seizure types such as generalized tonic-clonic and absence seizures can also occur

Question: Could Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy be a psychological disorder? Could Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy be a psychological disorder?

Answer: Skip Navigation Oxford Journals Contact Us My Basket My Account BrainAbout This Journal Contact This Journal Subscriptions Current Issue Archive Search Oxford Journals Medicine Brain Volume 127, Number 8 Pp. 1878-1886 Brain Advance Access originally published online on June 16, 2004 This Article Full Text FREE Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: 127/8/1878 most recent awh211v1 Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in ISI Web of Science Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Personal Archive Download to citation manager Cited by other online articles Search for citing articles in: ISI Web of Science (8) Request Permissions Disclaimer Google Scholar Articles by Taylor, I. Articles by Scheffer, I. E. PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Taylor, I. Articles by Scheffer, I. E. Brain, Vol. 127, No. 8, 1878-1886, August 2004 © 2004 Guarantors of Brain doi: 10.1093/brain/awh211 Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and idiopathic photosensitive occipital lobe epilepsy: is there overlap? Isabella Taylor1, Carla Marini1, Michael R. Johnson4, Samantha Turner1, Samuel F. Berkovic1,2 and Ingrid E. Scheffer1,2,3 1 Epilepsy Research Centre, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, 2 Royal Children's Hospital and 3 Department of Neurosciences, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and 4 Division of Neurosciences and Psychological Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK Correspondence to: A/Professor Ingrid E. Scheffer, Epilepsy Research Centre, Level 1, Neurosciences Building, Austin Health, Banksia Street, West Heidelberg, Victoria, 3081 Australia E-mail: scheffer@unimelb.edu.au Although epileptic photosensitivity is well known, its genetics and syndromic associations are incompletely understood. Seizures triggered by photic stimulation are usually a manifestation of the idiopathic generalized epilepsies, especially juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), or of the occipital epilepsies. Idiopathic photosensitive occipital epilepsy (IPOE) is a focal epilepsy with colourful elementary visual auras, often with conscious tonic head and eye version; myoclonus is not a feature. All seizures are induced by photic stimuli. We describe four families with phenotypic overlap between JME and IPOE. Families were identified if two or more affected individuals had visual auras and electro-clinical features of an idiopathic epilepsy. Family members underwent detailed electro-clinical assessment. In addition, 40 unrelated JME probands were investigated systematically for unrecognized features of IPOE (visual aura and conscious head version). There were 12 affected individuals in four families; 11 were female. Clinical onset was at 8–21 years of age. Of 10 patients with visual auras, six had conscious head version and five also experienced myoclonic jerks; eight had non-photic induced tonic–clonic seizures (TCS). Of the remaining individuals, one had myoclonic jerks and occipital spikes; the other had TCS without visual aura or myoclonic jerks. Of 10 patients with EEG studies, eight had generalized spike and wave (GSW) and six had occipital spikes. All had photosensitivity with GSW and four had additional occipital spikes. Of the 40 JME probands, six had visual aura and/or conscious head version; five of these were photosensitive. There is overlap between the clusters of clinical features used to diagnose IPOE and JME. Half of the affected individuals in our families with visual aura had myoclonic jerks; the former is characteristic of IPOE and the latter of JME. Importantly, visual aura is not regarded as part of JME, nor myoclonus part of IPOE, but our data emphasize that these symptoms may occur in both disorders. Moreover, two-thirds of individuals with visual aura had spontaneous TCS; the latter feature is not described in IPOE. Additionally, we demonstrate that visual aura and conscious head version are under-recognized features of JME, particularly among photosensitive patients. These findings could be explained by shared genetic determinants underlying IPOE and JME. Understanding the genetic basis of these disorders must account for the striking female predominance, the variable phenotypes associated with photosensitivity and the overlap of clinical features classically regarded as distinguishing focal and generalized syndromes. This article has been cited by other articles: L. S. Boylan, D. L. Labovitz, S. C. Jackson, K. Starner, and O. Devinsky Auras are frequent in idiopathic generalized epilepsy Neurology, July 25, 2006; 67(2): 343 - 345. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] --------------------------------------… M. R. Winawer, C. Marini, B. E. Grinton, D. Rabinowitz, S. F. Berkovic, I. E. Scheffer, and R. Ottman Familial clustering of seizure types within the idiopathic generalized epilepsies Neurology, August 23, 2005; 65(4): 523 - 528. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] --------------------------------------… E. Ferlazzo, B. G. Zifkin, E. Andermann, and F. Andermann Cortical triggers in generalized reflex seizures and epilepsies Brain, April 1, 2005; 128(4): 700 - 710. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] --------------------------------------… D. Pinto, B. Westland, G.-J. de Haan, G. Rudolf, B. M. da Silva, E. Hirsch, D. Lindhout, D. G.A. K.-N. Trenite, and B. P.C. Koeleman Genome-wide linkage scan of epilepsy-related photoparoxysmal electroencephalographic response: evidence for linkage on chromosomes 7q32 and 16p13 Hum. Mol. Genet., January 1, 2005; 14(1): 171 - 178. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] --------------------------------------… Disclaimer: Please note that abstracts for content published before 1996 were created through digital scanning and may therefore not exactly replicate the text of the original print issues. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, but the Publisher will not be held responsible for any remaining inaccuracies. If you require any further clarification, please contact our Customer Services Department. 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Question: I am suffering in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy for 17 years.? Now i in keppra ( levetiracetum-500), and take daily 1500 for last two months. But i fell very weak, depressed, angry, cant keep my concentration.After starting the medicine, two times i become fent after convultion. Is there anyone who can help me?

Answer: Unfortunately finding the right medication and dosage for control of your epilepsy is done by trial and error. You need to tell your doctor what your experiencing and he may up or down your dosage or may find an alternative. I just got taken off Depakote (500mg 2 a day) and now almost 5 months seizure free. Heres hoping that continues. I went thru alot of meds before they came to Depakote! Phenobarbitol, (SP) Lorazapam, Felbatol and mixtures of them.

Question: Is it possible to outgrow Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy? Please help. I'm only 18 years old..

Answer: Unfortunately juvenile myclonic epilepsy is one that is not likely to be outgrown. In about 80% of cases though it is controlled with medication, so be sure to take it on time if you have one prescribed. The only other things you can do are try to avoid triggers like sleep deprivation, alcohol, and stress.

Question: What is Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy? A friend of mine has a son that has recently been diagnosed with JME and I've been reading up on it, but I am still slightly confused. From what I understand they can have three different types of seizures each type different. Am I correct?

Answer: Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: diagnosis and treatment myoclonic epilepsy occurs in up to 10 percent of patients with epilepsy. Though characterized by the triad of absence seizures, myoclonic jerks and generalized tonic-clonic seizures, it is frequently misdiagnosed. Grunewald and Panayiotopoulos review the diagnosis and treatment of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. The onset of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is age-related, with absence siezures beginning between five and 16 years of age. Seizures that begin after 10 years of age are generally mild and may not cause abnormal physical activity. Myoclonic jerks begin an average of four years later and are usually bilateral. Consciousness is not impaired during this activity. Myoclonic jerks may rarely be the only clinical manifestation of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Generalized tonic-clonic seizure activity usually begins within a few months to two years. These seizures occur most often on waking and usually follow a series of myoclonic jerks, which become increasingly severe. Related Results European Commission Approves Keppra(R) for Use as Adjunctive Therapy in the... FDA Approves Keppra(R) as Adjunctive Therapy in the Treatment of Myoclonic... Myoclonic seizure therapy A Practical Approach to Uncomplicated Seizures in Children Genetics and Epilepsy: What We Know Today The myoclonic jerks and generalized tonic-clonic seizures of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy are precipitated by a variety of factors (see table). Absence seizures are less likely to be triggered by these factors. An electroencephalographic (EEG) tracing in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy shows a generalized spike or multiple spike/slow-wave pattern. These spikes may have a typical "compressed Ws" or wormlike appearance. Most patients also have additional focal EEG abnormalities, which may contribute to diagnostic difficulty. A genetic link in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is apparent, but the mode of inheritance is unclear. Several characteristics should raise the physician's index of suspicion for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, including generalized tonic-clonic seizures that occur in the early morning, seizures that are pooly controlled in patients taking carbamazepine and infrequent seizures associated with alcohol use or sleep deprivation. Up to 90 percent of patients become seizure-free as a result of accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Valproate is the most effective treatment for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Clonazepam (0.5 to 2 mg four times per day) may be added for patients with particularly resistant seizures. Patients should be counseled that the "warning" myoclonic jerks that often herald tonic-clonic seizures may not occur during clonazepam therapy. Second-line anticonvulsants include phenobarbital, primidone and possibly phenytoin. Lifelong treatment is generally necessary and withdrawal of medication may precipitate status epilepticus.

Question: juvenile myoclonic epilepsy? Hello. My 15 year old was diagnosed with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and is having a really hard time it. Is there anyone out there with the same thing around the same age that would like to chat with her??? We try to help, but it is not the same as someone her age. Thank you for your help!

Answer: Hi, I have jme. Im 26 but i can surely relate to her since i got it when i was 15. Its pretty hard on a young girl. You go through so many emotions...Im guessing shes in high school. Its so scary to go through that while your in high school. It could become somewhat embarrasing sometimes. I wish i could have had someone to chat with that had the same thing. If you want you could give her my email: traviesita_01@hotmail.com traviesita_janeth@yahoo.com mmm..i could be sorta like an older sister that had it and can totally relate. Also theres this group in yahoo that is about jme. Look for it. Theirs mostly parents but theres also a 16 year old girl that has it and will probably be happy to chat with her.

Question: Could having juvenile myoclonic epilepsy affect me having children? could having juvenile myoclonic epilepsy affect me having children in the future? i am 21 and i was diagnosed with it in august.

Answer: Nope. Having myclonic (jerking motions) epilepsy will not effect your fertility capabilities. Of course as with any woman wanting to become pregnant you will have to be extra sure to take the correct vitamins BEFORE becoming pregnant and also consult with your ob/gyn regarding whatever antiseizure medication (s) that you may be taking to be sure your type doesn't cross over into the placenta barrier. (Usually most do not) I've known many many woman who have seizure disorders and give birth to happy and healthy babies with wonderful pregnancies. Take care and best to you and your future. ADD ON: By the way, it is NOT hereditary as someone above wrote. There is a predispostion that others in the same family line could have it when another does...but it is not genetically passed on as in hereditary. There is a difference.

Question: Does anybody have (jme) juvenile myoclonic epilepsy? Just wondering how old were you guys when you got diagnosed? And how often do you have to get ur eeg again? I would really like to actually talk to somebody that suffers from this to share stories. Any body available?

Answer: Hi there, why don't you try this link as you may find someone here. Good luck http://www.stixdesigns.com.au/epilepsy-s…