Epilepsies of Adolescence

Epilepsy doesn't appear only in young children — it can also show up for the first time during adolescence. The best-known epilepsy of this age is one that, when managed correctly, can be very well controlled.

Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME)

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is a common generalized epilepsy syndrome that begins during adolescence (usually between ages 12 and 18). Three types of seizures can occur together: morning myoclonic jerks (sudden jerks of the arms, especially just after waking), tonic-clonic seizures, and sometimes absence seizures.

An Early Clue: Morning Jerks

Teenagers with JME often spend months, or even years, dropping things in the morning, flinging a spoon at breakfast, or jerking while brushing their teeth — all before their first tonic-clonic seizure. Because these signs tend to be overlooked, the diagnosis is frequently delayed. Noticing these jerks and mentioning them to your doctor can lead to an earlier diagnosis.

Lifestyle Is Part of the Treatment

In JME, seizures are usually very well controlled with the right medication. But in this syndrome, avoiding triggers is just as important as the medication. The strongest triggers are lack of sleep, alcohol, and — in some teenagers — flashing lights. That's why regular sleep is an essential part of treatment for a young person with JME.

What to Know About JME

JME is usually a lifelong tendency; in other words, even when seizures are controlled with medication, they are likely to return if the medication is stopped too early.

This isn't bad news: with the right medication, most young people live completely seizure-free, normal, and productive lives. What matters is staying on treatment and keeping a steady sleep routine.