Can you grow out of myoclonic epilepsy?

JME is usually well controlled with medication. Most patients with JME do not outgrow their seizures and will need to take medication for the rest of their lives.

What types of seizures occur with JME?

Most people who have JME will have 3 types of seizures. These are called myoclonic, tonic-clonic and absence seizures. All people with JME will have myoclonic seizures.

What are the symptoms of myoclonic seizures?

Symptoms of these seizures include: Quick, uncontrolled muscle jerks. Jerky or rhythmic movements. Unusual clumsiness….Myoclonic seizures generally affect:

• Neck.
• Shoulders.
• Upper arms.

Is myoclonic epilepsy curable?

In most cases, these seizures can be well controlled with medication but it must be continued throughout life. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: This is an uncommon syndrome that usually includes other types of seizures as well.

When do myoclonic seizures start?

Myoclonic seizures — the jerking movements in one or both arms and legs — typically start from 1 to 9 years later, around age 14 or 15. Some kids will only have irregular movements in their fingers. This may make them drop things and look clumsy. Tonic-clonic seizures usually start a few months later.

What does a JME seizure look like?

Myoclonic jerks or seizures in JME typically happen within 1 to 2 hours of waking up in the morning or after a nap. They are described as shock-like and irregular movements of both arms. Sometimes the movements happen only in the fingers, making the person look clumsy or prone to dropping things.

How many people have JME epilepsy?

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy affects an estimated 1 in 1,000 people worldwide. Approximately 5 percent of people with epilepsy have juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.

Is myoclonus a disability?

Myoclonus creates significant disability for patients. This symptom or sign can have many different etiologies, presentations, and pathophysiological mechanisms. A thorough evaluation for the myoclonus etiology is critical for developing a treatment strategy.

Do you poop during a seizure?

jerks/movements of the arms, legs, and body. You or your child may turn blue around the mouth or face, have increased drooling, sweating, big pupils, and may pee or poop without control (This is also known as incontinence). Once the seizure is over, you or your child will be sleepy, confused or upset.