About Myoclonic Seizures in Children

Myoclonic seizures are seizures that usually cause uncontrollable movements on both sides of the body simultaneously. They occur when muscle groups or single muscles tense as if shocked, and jerk in a fashion that is not normal. The word "myoclonic" refers to muscles ("myo") and twitching or rapid jerking ("clonus"). While it most often occurs in patients with epilepsy, those without the disease can have myoclonic jerks. In patients with epilepsy, myoclonic seizures generally begin in childhood.
  1. West Syndrome

    • West Syndrome is a rare form of epilepsy that presents itself in infants as bouts of myoclonic seizures. They most commonly occur within the first six months of life, but can begin up to years years after birth. Causes of West Syndrome are myriad, and some cases are unexplainable, although it is most commonly associated with tuberous sclerosis and a lack of oxygen during or immediately after birth. An infant with West Syndrome generally displays muscle spasms that take the form of head-bobbing, arm-crossing, lateral arm thrusts, and muscle flexes while lying or sitting down.

    Lennox-Gestaut Syndrome

    • Another cause of myoclonic seizures in children is Lennox-Gestaut Syndrome, a rare syndrome that accounts for only 2 to 5 percent of epilepsy in children. In addition to myoiclonic and other types of seizures, children with the syndrome also often suffer from delayed mental development. Just as in West Syndrome, there is a large number of underlying causes, although in as many as 25 percent of cases, no cause is identifiable. It is often resistant to common anti-epileptic drugs, and treatment can be exceedingly difficult.

    Juvenile Myclonic Epilepsy

    • Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy is quite common, accounting for 7 percent of all cases of epilepsy. The myoclonic seizures generally begin in late childhood, and in some cases can be easily ignored, as they are very small and not terribly common. They can be caused by flickering lights such as on television or in video games, or by taxing activities, such as drinking or intense sports. Causes are generally genetic in nature.

    Treatment Options

    • Treatment options for myoclonic seizures vary depending on the source of the seizures. In children with Lennox-Gestaut syndrome, treatment is extremely difficult and common anti-epileptic medicines are often unsuccessful. With West Syndrome, seizures and spasms may cease without treatment, conventional anti-epilepsy drugs are generally successful and closely monitored for side effects. Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy is easily treatable and typical anti-convulsants or anti-epileptic drugs are usually effective.

    Prognosis

    • Each of the diseases that cause myoclonic seizures have different prognoses. Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy is easily treatable and prognosis is good throughout the life of the patient. With West Syndrome, prognosis is good if the condition is caught on time. Lennox-Gestaut Syndrome, however, is extremely difficult to treat and requires long-term, lifelong medical attention and treatment, and often is accompanied by mental retardation of some degree, which can make life difficult for both the patient and his or her caretakers.

Brain Nervous System - Related Articles