Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy Symptoms and Causes

A type of epilepsy that occurs in kids and teens is juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. The jerking or spasming of muscles is a common occurrence with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Other seizure forms can be present in one person, involving consciousness impairment or extreme convulsive seizures.

One of the most common forms of epilepsy happens to be juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Out of people experiencing epilepsy, one out of fourteen experience juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. An effective aid for epilepsy is a medication that usually works for many forms of seizures.

Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy Symptoms

This type of epilepsy, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, usually starts in teenage years or preteen years. There are three individual forms of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy:

The defining symptoms of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy are myoclonic seizures. Minute, fast spasms of the limbs and shoulders can be caused from myoclonic seizures. These seizures often happen either after awakening or just before the afternoon.

Sometimes, myoclonic seizures can branch out to the whole brain. Generalized convulsing seizures can happen when the seizures branch out to the whole brain.

One other seizure that also affects the brain is an absence seizure. In the event of an absence seizure, there is no spasming or movement. In some cases, seizures such as these are not apparent or noticed. Other times they are thought of as not paying attention or dreaming while awake (daydreaming).

Risks and causes of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy

The cause of this form of epilepsy, like many other types, is not known in most cases. However, there are many risk factors that can significantly increase the chance of getting juvenile myoclonic epilepsy:

  1. Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy can occur in one out of 8 kids that have absence of epilepsy as a child.
  2. Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is more common in people that have family members with epilepsy. Many genes are prone to heighten the risk factor of myoclonic epilepsy. Genetics often have a role in it.

If you suspect that a loved one has the symptoms of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, consult your physician immediately. Early diagnosis is essential to proper treatment and more satisfactory therapy outcomes.
