Familial photosensitive epilepsy: effectiveness of clonazepam.
We describe the clinical features of a family with photosensitive epilepsy, followed for 13 years. Generalized paroxysmal discharges induced by photic stimulation appeared in all 9 siblings. Generalized seizures, myoclonic jerks, and absences appeared in variable combination in 7 of them who on clonazepam remained free from seizures for a seven-year follow-up period. On EEG the paroxysmal abnormalities induced by photic stimulation abated during clonazepam medication.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001570:Benzodiazepinones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002998:Clonazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male
D001570:Benzodiazepinones; D002998:Clonazepam