title: Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: characteristics of a primary generalized epilepsy.
abstract: Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is a primary generalized epilepsy that affects approximately 7% of adolescent and adult epilepsy patients. JME is characterized by myoclonic seizures alone or combined with generalized tonic-clonic seizures or absence seizures. Seizures are precipitated by sudden awakening, sleep deprivation, photic stimulation, and alcohol consumption. The ictal electroencephalogram (EEG) shows a typical 4- to 6-Hz polyspike and wave pattern; the interictal EEG may be normal. Valproate controls seizures in approximately 80% of JME patients and is recommended for successful management of this disorder.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville 22908.
authors.forename: F E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Dreifuss
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004831:Epilepsies, Myoclonic / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014635:Valproic Acid