There are several types of myoclonic epilepsy, most often starting in childhood, caused by genetic factors, and can also lead to cognitive and developmental problems.

The treatment of myoclonic epilepsy depends upon the kind of seizures the patient is having, along with electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns. Although they can be treated with prescription anti-seizure medications, they are less likely to be fully controlled.

Symptoms

• Myoclonic Jerks

Myoclonus, also known as myoclonic jerks, are quick, involuntary muscle contractions. In some cases, people often experience 1 or 2 myoclonic jerks during sleep without any succession to a seizure.

Myoclonus can also happen because of many spine or nerves related diseases. And sometimes they can happen just as a result of electrolyte or hormonal changes. In some cases, these jerks may occur only a few times in the whole life of the patient.

• Myoclonic Seizures

Myoclonic seizures, on the other hand, tend to recur for years. It mostly happens during the childhood and young adulthood years.

Myoclonic seizures generally last for a few seconds and seem like a quick, abrupt and repetitive jerking movement involving an arm, a leg, or the face. These myoclonic seizure movements are characterized by quick, recurrent stiffness and relaxation. During these kinds of seizures, one may experience fewer voluntary movements of the body and a low level of consciousness.

Myoclonic seizures can be preceded by a feeling that a seizure is going to happen. After the seizure, one may feel tired or sleepy, although that will be not always.

Types and Causes

Myoclonic seizures are caused by unusual electrical activity in the brain, which leads to myoclonic jerks. In many cases, they are worsened by tiredness, alcohol, fevers, infections, photic (light) stimulation, or stress.

There are many kinds of myoclonic epilepsies and each of them has a different cause. But it’s a good thing that all the genetic factors related to myoclonic epilepsies have been identified.

Diagnosis & Treatment

The diagnosis of myoclonic seizures starts with describing the seizures. If you tell the doctor about having repetitive jerking movements, with or without consciousness, you’re likely going to go through various tests to determine the type of epilepsy you are having.

After that doctor will try to determine the causes behind that epileptic behavior by conducting various tests such as blood tests and genetic tests. Other tests in the diagnosis of myoclonic epilepsy may involve Brain Imaging, Lumbar Puncture, EEG, and Sleep-Deprived EEG.

Since myoclonic seizures are very short in duration and only rarely succeed to convulsive status epilepticus, thus they do not require emergency intervention.

Most of the treatments include the Ketogenic Diet, epilepsy surgery, and anti-seizure devices such as the vagal nerve stimulator. Generally, for severe epileptic behaviors, a combination of treatment procedures will be needed.

No matter how short they are, these seizures can be very scary. And taking measures to prevent them will go a long way in helping you and your family to feel more in control.

It would be wise to not sleep on high-level platforms like bunk beds. Always set a reminder for your child or yourself to take medication on time and remind them to go to bed, so they can get proper rest.

Asian Neuro Centre is one of the largest and most experienced practices in Indore where the best & experienced neurologist is skilled in dozens of specialties, working to ensure quality care and successful recovery.

Dr. Navin Tiwari
Consulting Neurologist

The post Everything You Need To Know About Myoclonic Epilepsy appeared first on Best Neurologist in Indore- Dr Navin Tiwari - Asian Neuro Centre.

Myoclonic seizures are brief shock-like jerks of a muscle or group of muscles. They occur in a variety of epilepsy syndromes that have different characteristics. Epilepsy can experience myoclonus in hiccups or in a sudden jerk that may wake you up as you’re just falling asleep. Myoclonus refers to a quick, involuntary muscle jerk. Myoclonus may occur because of a nervous system (neurological) disorder, such as epilepsy, a metabolic condition, or a reaction to a medication. Myoclonic epilepsy are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which triggers the myoclonic muscle movements.

Causes of Myoclonic Seizures

Myoclonic seizures are associated with several different syndromes:

Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy generally begins in puberty or in early adulthood. These seizures often happen upon waking up.

Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome is an uncommon condition that causes myoclonic seizures as well as other types of seizures. This occurs in early childhood, and the myoclonic seizures involve the face as well as the neck, shoulders, and upper arms.

Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy is a condition that is characterized by a combination of myoclonic seizures as well as tonic-clonic seizures.

1. Infection
2. Stroke
3. Trauma to the spinal cord or head
4. Tumors on the brain or spinal cord
5. Kidney failure
6. Liver failure
7. Lipid storage disease
8. Adverse effects of drugs or chemicals
9. Hypoxia (a condition in which the body, including the brain, is deprived of oxygen)
10. Autoimmune inflammatory conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and the malabsorption syndrome celiac disease
11. Metabolic disorders

Symptoms of Myoclonic Seizures

Myoclonic seizures generally affect:

• Neck
• Shoulders
• Upper arms

Myoclonic seizures may not be noticed because they happen so quickly. Someone may think they are tics or clumsiness.

Symptoms of these seizures include:
Quick, uncontrolled muscle jerks
Jerky or rhythmic movements
Unusual clumsiness

Childhood myoclonic epilepsy conditions often progress to more severe seizures in adulthood.
Symptoms of myoclonus can range from mild to severe. Spasms may occur rarely or often. One region of the body or all muscle groups can be affected. The nature of the symptoms will depend on the underlying condition.

Signs Of Myoclonus Include Jerks Or Spasms That Are:
1. Unpredictable
2. Sudden
3. Brief In Duration
4. Uncontrollable
5. Similar To Shock-Like Jerks
6. Irregular In Intensity And Frequency
7. Localized To One Part Of The Body
8. Spread Throughout The Entire Body
9. Interfering With Normal Eating, Speech, Or Movement

Treatment of Myoclonic Seizures
Correction of the cause if possible
Drugs to lessen symptoms

The cause of myoclonus is corrected if possible. For example, drugs that can cause myoclonus are stopped. A high or low blood sugar level is corrected, and kidney failure is treated with hemodialysis.
If the cause cannot be corrected, certain ant seizure drugs (such as valproate and levetiracetam) or clonazepam (a mild sedative) may lessen symptoms.

Asian Neuro Centre is one of the largest and most experienced practices in Indore where the best & experienced neurologist is skilled in dozens of specialties, working to ensure quality care and successful recovery.

Dr Navin Tiwari
Consulting Neurologist

The post Myoclonic Epilepsy Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Dr.Navin Tiwari appeared first on Best Neurologist in Indore- Dr Navin Tiwari - Asian Neuro Centre.