Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy
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Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy
- Appears at puberty
- Generalized tonic-clonic seizures
- Primarily jerking of arms, legs
- Is not outgrown
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (also called Janz's syndrome, impulsive petit mal and myoclonic epilepsy of adolescence) was first described in 1956 by Dr. Dieter Janz, who called it impulsive petit mal because of the sudden jerking (myoclonic) seizures that are a prominent part of the syndrome. The syndrome is characterized by myoclonic seizures (sudden jerks of arms and legs), especially on awakening.
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy generally appears at puberty, but may have existed prior to that time and it is usually not outgrown; it is also associated with generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Seizures may be precipitated by sleep deprivation; early awakening; alcohol and drug use; stress; strong emotion, photic stimulation, and menstruation.
