Epilepsy Information

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy

• Presentation:
  - Age: around adolescence (mainly 12 to 18 years)
  - Seizures types:
    * Myoclonic seizures (always)
    * GTC (80%)
    * Absence seizures (50%)
    * Triggers:
       - Photic stimulation 
       - Sleep deprivation
       - Hyperventilation

• Diagnosis:
  - On EEG: generalized polyspike-wave discharges

• Causes: 
  - Genetic causes: family history of epilepsy is common (around 50%)

• Prognosis: easy to control; requires treatment for life
 
• Treatment: Depakote, Lamictal, Keppra, Topamaz, Zonegran

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