Content Map Terms

Epilepsy: Myoclonic Seizures

Topic Overview

Myoclonic seizures affect a small number of children and adults with generalized epilepsy of unknown cause (idiopathic). In children and teens with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, the seizures seem to occur most often after waking up or while falling asleep.

During a myoclonic seizure:

  • The arms, legs, torso, or facial muscles jerk rapidly as though they are being shocked.
  • The body may jerk once or many times, on one or both sides of the body, in a rhythmic or random pattern.
  • The person usually does not lose consciousness.

Myoclonic seizures are almost always very brief.

Credits

Current as of:
April 8, 2021

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
John Pope MD - Pediatrics
Brian D. O'Brien MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Steven C. Schachter MD - Neurology