Archive of SID Clinical Evaluation of 32 Patients with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy in Southern Khorasan

Introduction: Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) is a frequent type of generalized seizures which is often associated with Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizure (GTCS) and absence attacks. Methods: Consecutive patients with probable diagnosis of seizure referred to Vali-eAsr and Emam Reza hospitals in southern Khorasan during March 2005- May 2007 were evaluated. Diagnosis of epilepsy and JME was made by neurologists based on the manifestations, history and EEG findings. Patients who had structural brain lesion were excluded. Results: 396 epileptic patients including, 32 JME cases (8.1%; 18 males, 14 females) were investigated. Mean age of JME onset and age at the time of diagnosis was 12.4 years and 14.2 years respectively. 27 patients with JME had GTCS and 7 patients had absence epilepsy .Triad of Myoclonia, GTCS and absence was seen in only 4 cases and 2 cases had pure Myoclonia. Myoclonia was predominantly unilateral or at least unilateral at onset in 8 patients (25%). In 28 cases (87.5%) most of attacks occurred on awakening. Sleep deprivation was the most important precipitating factor which was found in 26 cases (81.3%). Characteristic epileptic pattern was found in 71.9% of cases with JME in the first EEG which was promoted to 94% with repeating the EEG. A positive familial history for epilepsy was seen in 25%. Conclusion: JME is a frequent subtype of generalized epilepsies which is often associated with GTCS and absence. JME patients usually have epileptic pattern in EEG.