Myoclonic seizures may be caused by a form of epilepsy or occur independently of epilepsy. If your child experiences a seizure, it is important to contact his pediatrician for an evaluation to rule out any serious medical conditions. Recurring myoclonic seizures may be controlled with prescription medication.
Types
Myoclonic seizures cause the muscles on one or both sides of a child's body to jerk suddenly. The child may fall or lose his balance. During the seizure, a child may drop or throw an object she is holding. A myoclonic seizure feels similar to the "jerking awake" sensation you may occasionally experience as you are falling asleep.
Time Frame
Myoclonic seizures can occur at any time, but they most frequently occur after awakening. They often repeat in clusters. There may or may not be triggers or threshold lowering events (lack of sleep or watching video games, for example) that precipitate the seizure. The onset of myoclonic seizures usually begin in childhood and may continue into adulthood.
Breath Holding
Children between the ages of 6 and 24 months sometimes hold their breath when they are crying and upset. The child may become momentarily unconscious. The child may awake with a start after becoming stiff or twitching while unconscious. This type of seizure is related to breath holding, not epilepsy. Most children outgrow breath holding spells by the time they are 5 years old.
Identification
An accurate diagnosis is essential to effective treatment. Your child's doctor will take a thorough medical and seizure history, including information about the environment in and conditions under which the seizure occurred. If your child has seizures, keep a log to help you provide the doctor with this information. The doctor will physically examine your child and may order an EEG or consult with a neurologist.
Outcomes
A child with normal brain function and structure generally has little ongoing injury or complications from seizures. Not all myoclonic seizures indicate the presence of a disease or underlying condition. However, if your child has a seizure, her pediatrician should evaluate her right away.
