How to Treat Myoclonic Seizures

Patients who have a history of myoclonic epilepsy might have a generalized type of seizure called a myoclonic seizure. Myoclonic seizures also occur in patients who have metabolic or toxic disorders or after an ischemic or global hypoxic injury like a cardiac arrest. When an individual has a myoclonic seizure, his torso or limbs jerk quickly. This type of seizure is short, and the patient does not lose consciousness. However, she might experience repetitive seizures that result in a tonic-clonic seizure in which the patient loses consciousness.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk with your doctor about different types of prescription medication to treat myoclonic seizures. A physician might prescribe something like a benzodiazepines IV or a Valproate, which affects the brain substance gamma-aminobutyric acid.

• 2

  Change your diet to treat myoclonic seizures. Using medical supervision, try fasting and using the ketogenic diet, which helps your body use your fat stores for energy after running out of carbohydrates. For a less restrictive diet, ask your physician about using a modified Atkins diet plan.

• 3

  Consider an implanted battery-operated stimulator like the vagus nerve stimulation device. Its remote control lets you adjust stimulation levels as it sends electronic signals to the vagus nerve, preventing seizures.

• 4

  Take care of your body by getting enough sleep and avoiding alcohol. Both alcohol and sleep deprivation contribute to an increase in the number of myoclonic seizures an individual has, according to Merck & Co., Inc.

• 5

  Consider surgery for serious cases of myoclonic seizures. Brain surgery is a very serious step, and it is done only after extensive testing to locate the area of the brain in which the seizures originate.