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Treatment Strategies for Myoclonic Seizures and Epilepsy Syndromes with Myoclonic Seizures
Author(s) -
Wheless James W.,
Sankar Raman
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
epilepsia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.687
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1528-1167
pISSN - 0013-9580
DOI - 10.1046/j.1528-1157.44.s11.5.x
Subject(s) - vagus nerve stimulation , myoclonus , ketogenic diet , medicine , myoclonic epilepsy , epilepsy , etiology , epilepsy syndromes , pediatrics , intensive care medicine , anesthesia , psychiatry , vagus nerve , stimulation
Summary: Despite the availability of numerous treatment options, the diagnosis and treatment of myoclonic seizures continue to be challenging. Based on clinical experience, valproate and benzodiazepines have historically been used to treat myoclonic seizures. However, many more treatment options exist today, and the clinician must match the appropriate treatment with the patient's epilepsy syndrome and its underlying etiology. Comorbidities and other medications must also be considered when making decisions regarding treatment. Rarely, some antiepileptic drugs may exacerbate myoclonic seizures. Most epileptic myoclonus can be treated pharmacologically, but some cases respond better to surgery, the ketogenic diet, or vagus nerve stimulation. Because myoclonic seizures can be difficult to treat, clinicians should be flexible in their approach and tailor therapy to each patient.