Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: clinical and EEG features

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Abstract
We aimed to characterize the clinical profile and EEG features of 43 patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. In a retrospective design we studied the records of, and re‐interviewed, 43 patients diagnosed with JME from the epilepsy clinic data base. Furthermore, available EEGs were re‐evaluated. Of the patients 72% were female and 28% male. Average age of onset was 13 (5.5–22) years for absences, 16 (5.2–25) years for myoclonic seizures, and 16 (8–29) years for generalized tonic–clonic seizures. Forty‐two percent reported asymmetric or unilateral myoclonic jerks. Commonly reported precipitating factors were sleep deprivation (84%), stress (70%), and alcohol consumption (51%). EEG findings included rapid spike‐wave and polyspike‐wave.