What are the Symptoms of Myoclonic Seizures?
October 16, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Myoclonic seizures are a type of epileptic seizure characterized by sudden, brief, involuntary muscle jerks or twitches. The symptoms of myoclonic seizures include:
- Muscle Jerks or Twitches: Involuntary, quick, and often repetitive muscle movements, typically involving the arms, legs, or torso. These movements can be isolated or occur in clusters.
- Jerking Movements: The muscle jerks can vary in intensity and may cause the affected body part to move in a jerking or twitching motion.
- Sudden Onset and Short Duration: Myoclonic seizures usually occur suddenly and last only a brief moment, usually less than a second. They may happen singly or in rapid succession.
- Bilateral Involvement: The muscle jerks typically affect both sides of the body symmetrically, although they can also occur on one side.
- Affects Consciousness: Myoclonic seizures usually do not impair consciousness. The individual is usually aware of their surroundings during the episode.
- Frequency and Triggers: Myoclonic seizures can occur infrequently or frequently throughout the day. Certain triggers, such as stress, lack of sleep, or specific medications, may provoke or worsen the episodes.
- Associated Movements: The muscle jerks may be associated with other movements, such as a sudden dropping of the head or a brief flexion of the trunk.
- Startle Response: Myoclonic seizures may resemble a startle response, but they are not in response to an external stimulus.
- Can Occur in Clusters: Myoclonic seizures can occur in clusters, where multiple muscle jerks happen close together in time.
It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you or someone else is experiencing myoclonic seizures or any type of seizure activity. A thorough evaluation, including a neurological examination and potentially diagnostic tests like EEG (electroencephalogram), will help in confirming the diagnosis and determining an appropriate treatment plan to manage the seizures.