Do myoclonic seizures show up EEG?

The EEG (electroencephalogram) is the most important test in making a diagnosis of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. An EEG in untreated individuals is typically abnormal with a specific EEG pattern, known as a 3-6 Hz generalized polyspike and wave discharge.

What do myoclonic seizures look like on EEG?

Electroencephalographic Findings Myoclonic seizures are typically associated with generalized spike-and-wave or multiple spike-and-wave discharges on the EEG. Myoclonic seizures are frequently associated with enhanced photosensitivity.

Can you have a normal EEG and still have epilepsy?

Approximately one-half of all EEGs done for patients with seizures are interpreted as normal. Even someone who has seizures every week can have a normal EEG test. This is because the EEG only shows brain activity during the time of the test.

What does an EEG show for epilepsy?

What does an EEG show? An EEG gives information about the electrical activity of the brain during the time the test is happening. When someone has an epileptic seizure their brain activity changes. This change, known as epileptiform brain activity, can sometimes be seen on an EEG recording.

How is myoclonic epilepsy diagnosed?

The most useful way to diagnose epilepsy is an electroencephalogram (EEG). This records electrical activity in the brain. The EEG can record unusual spikes or waves in electrical activity patterns.

How accurate is an EEG for seizures?

Based upon our positive likelihood ratios, and assuming a pre-test probability of 50%, an adult with ED on routine EEG after a first unprovoked seizure has a 77% probability of having a second seizure, whilst a child with similar findings has a 66% probability.

How common is benign myoclonus?

This condition is fairly rare. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, benign neonatal sleep myoclonus occurs in just under four out of 10,000 live births. The condition appears to be twice as common in males.

Does benign myoclonus go away?

Outlook. Most children with benign myoclonic epilepsy in infancy will stop having seizures by 5 or 6 years of age, sometimes sooner.