What is Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME)?

Adolescent myoclonic epilepsy is a common type of epilepsy. It starts in adolescence, most often with myoclonic seizures upon awakening, usually bilateral upper limbs, sometimes with lower limbs when a fall can occur. Occasionally there are generalized tonic clonic seizures. Adolescent myoclonic epilepsy is predominantly genetic, with an autosomal recessive or dominant form of inheritance. In some families the gene is localized to chromosome 6. About 40% of patients have a family history of epilepsy. The treatment drug is usually valproic acid. Lamotrigine, topiramate, and levetiracetam are also used for seizure control. Usually sleep deprivation, stress, alcohol consumption, and light sensitivity may be triggering or aggravating factors. It is recommended to have a good rest, avoid alcohol and keep a happy mood. It is also necessary to adhere to the medication. Drugs need to be used under the guidance of a professional physician, and should not be used arbitrarily on their own.