Epilepsy with myoclonic absences

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical manifestations, characteristics of EEG, treatment and prognosis of epilepsy with myoclonic absences. Methods The clinical data, interictal, ictal and sleep EEG of a case of epilepsy with myoclonic absences were studied and followed-up. Results The onset age of the patient was 7 years old. The seizure was characterized clinically by absences accompanied by severe bilateral rhythmical myoclonias, often associated with a tonic contraction. Ictal EEG always showed bilateral, synchronous and symmetrical discharge of rhythmical SW at 3Hz. The seizures were controlled under the treatment with VPA CR and clonazepam. Conclusion Epilepsy with myoclonic absences is a epileptic syndrome of definite clinical characteristics. It should be differentiated from childhood absence epilepsy in clinic.