What is Myoclonic Seizures?

   Tweet   

---

Myoclonic seizures is a type of generalized seizure during which patient may experience rapid jerking movements or shock-like muscle contractions which is without loss of consciousness. It arises from the central nervous system and lasts for only one or two seconds. This seizure occurred mostly in childhood. People without epilepsy can experience small but similar jerks in the form of hiccups or brief twitches but it is normal. Abnormal movements occur on both sides of the body at the same time in myoclonic seizures.

Myoclonic seizure is also attached with different syndromes which are as follows.

juvenile myoclonic epilepsy-is an idiopathic generalized epileptic syndrome which is common in puberty time. Shoulders, upper arms and neck are mostly involved. It is usually occur in the morning. Depakote (valproate) is generally used for treatment.
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome-It occurs in early childhood and usually involves the face, neck, shoulders, and upper arms. It is strong and difficult to control. These seizures include the myoclonic seizures, atypical absence seizures, and atonic seizures.
Progressive myoclonic epilepsy-It may arise as combination of both myoclonic seizures and tonic-clonic seizures. Treatment is not useful for long period of time.
West syndrome - Retardation of psychomotor development, infantile spasms and a particular abnormality on the electroencephalogram (EEG) known as hypsarrhythmia are the symptoms involve in West syndrome. In most of the cases of west syndrome, neurological problem is found. Seizure occurred during this syndrome is difficult to control.

What are the treatments for myoclonic seizures?

• Anti-epileptic drugs are used to cure myoclonic seizures. valproate and benzodiazepines drugs are previously used. topiramate and stiripentol are some new antiepilepsy drugs used in the treatment of epilepsy syndrome.
• Vagus nerve stimulation-A small device is placed inside body which stimulates the vagus nerve through electric shocks. These shocks may helpful to reduce seizures. It is used when medication fails.
• Ketogenic diet-A diet rich in fat and less in carbohydrates may also beneficial to reduce the chances if seizure.