HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Treatment For Myoclonic Seizures

When I was 13 I started having what my doctor thought was myoclonic seizures but I wasn t able to be officially diagnosed because they wanted my dad to get a cat scan as well as me and he wouldn t but anyway now that I am 21 I believe they are worse than myoclonic. I jerk have spasms and head turning. But the more I have them the more my memory fades and the more scatter brained I get.
Thu, 6 Jul 2017
Report Abuse
Neurologist 's  Response
Hello:

Myoclonic seizures can be part of an epileptic syndrome as Lennox-Gastaut, Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy and Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy. In your case, I think it might be the last one.

Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy usually starts at late childhood or early adolescence. It can have focal seizures, myoclonic seizures and generalized seizures. The myoclonic seizures affect the head, shoulders and upper arms. Some patients have them after waking up. Also they are affected by flashing lights, causing them seizures.

Patients can get better with pharmacological treatment as valproic acid (not recommended in girls), levetiracetam, clonazepam or clobazam. This syndrome has a genetic basis, so the treatment is for lifetime.

To confirm the diagnosis you need to get done an electroencephalogram and CT or MRI. The electroencephalogram will show a pattern related to myoclonic juvenile epilepsy. The CT and MRI will help to rule out another condition or cause of epilepsy.

By now try to avoid fasting, sleep deprivation, flashing lights, alcohol and some medications as carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine, because they can make your myoclonic seizures get worse. I suggest consulting with a neurologist for a complete assessment, starting medication or treatment adjustment.

I hope this helps. If you have any doubt before your appointment, please let me know.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Treatment For Myoclonic Seizures

Hello: Myoclonic seizures can be part of an epileptic syndrome as Lennox-Gastaut, Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy and Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy. In your case, I think it might be the last one. Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy usually starts at late childhood or early adolescence. It can have focal seizures, myoclonic seizures and generalized seizures. The myoclonic seizures affect the head, shoulders and upper arms. Some patients have them after waking up. Also they are affected by flashing lights, causing them seizures. Patients can get better with pharmacological treatment as valproic acid (not recommended in girls), levetiracetam, clonazepam or clobazam. This syndrome has a genetic basis, so the treatment is for lifetime. To confirm the diagnosis you need to get done an electroencephalogram and CT or MRI. The electroencephalogram will show a pattern related to myoclonic juvenile epilepsy. The CT and MRI will help to rule out another condition or cause of epilepsy. By now try to avoid fasting, sleep deprivation, flashing lights, alcohol and some medications as carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine, because they can make your myoclonic seizures get worse. I suggest consulting with a neurologist for a complete assessment, starting medication or treatment adjustment. I hope this helps. If you have any doubt before your appointment, please let me know.