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Myoclonic Seizure Symptoms

Myoclonic seizures are one of many types of seizure that can affect people with epilepsy. Epilepsy, which is sometimes called a seizure disorder, occurs when the brain produces abnormal surges in electric activity. Myoclonic seizures have very distinct signs and symptoms that permit them to be identified through an EEG, a test that records brain wave activity--or sometimes through simple observation alone. Myoclonic seizures occur in several types of seizure disorders and can have various characteristics.

  1. Generalized Seizures

    • Seizures fall into two categories: partial and generalized. Myoclonic seizures are generalized seizures. Generalized seizures occur when both hemispheres of the brain are involved. Myoclonic seizures are further characterized by extremely brief jerks that feel like a sudden electric shock. Most of the time, they are bilateral (affecting both sides of the body) and last only a couple of seconds. While sometimes there will be only one, many can occur within a short amount of time.

    Juvenille Myoclonic Epilepsy

    • Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is an extremely common form of seizure disorder, comprising seven percent of all epilepsy cases. JME can occur between late childhood and early adulthood, but usually starts during puberty. Symptoms of JME include jerking in the neck, shoulders and upper arms. Seizures usually happen shortly after a person first wakes in the morning. JME can be well controlled with medication, however, treatment is generally for life. Those with JME don't suffer intellectual deficits as a result of their condition.

    Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

    • Myoclonic seizures can be a feature of Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. This syndrome is rare and usually occurs in children between two and six years of age who have a preexisting brain injury. About 75 to 95 percent of children with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome have mental impairment and eventually require long-term care as they reach adulthood. Myoclonic seizures in the child with Lennox-Gastaut involve the neck, shoulders, upper arms and face. The seizures are stronger than those noted in JME and are difficult to control, even with medication.

    Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy

    • Progressive myoclonic epilepsy (PME) entails symptoms of both myoclonic seizures as well as tonic-clonic seizures--those that usually result in unconsciousness. This is a rare disorder that is usually hereditary in nature and can occur in infancy or well into adulthood. In addition to suffering myoclonic seizures, unsteadiness and muscle rigidity may also be present. Mental acuity decreases over time. Medical treatment of this type of myoclonic epilepsy involves numerous types of medications to treat the different types of seizures and is usually only successful for a few months or a few years. People with progressive myoclonic epilepsy deteriorate as medication becomes less effective.

    What Triggers Myoclonic Seizures?

    • Most of the time, myoclonic seizures are triggered by failing to take medication needed to control them. However, there are numerous other triggers for these seizures that vary from person to person. Myoclonic seizures can be induced by external stimuli, such as flashing lights, or even through intense mental processes. Stress, lack of adequate sleep and drug and alcohol use can all contribute to the frequency of myoclonic seizures as well.

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