Virginia Thornley, M.D., board-certified neurologist, epileptologist
December 31, 2020
This is a genetic disorder with different types of clinical features:
-Primary Generalized Epilepsy, Absence type
there is lack of awareness, staring sometimes, lip-smacking movements.
The EEG shows generalized 3-Hertz spike & slow wave discharges.
-Primary Generalized Epilepsy, Juvenile Myoclonic type (JME) present with jerking movements.
The EEG shows generalized polyspike & slow wave discharges usually around 4Hertz
-Primary Generalized Epilepsy, generalized type present with convulsions.
The EEG shows generalized spike & slow wave discharges.
Treatment is very similar. But the clinical phenotypes are different. There are certain anti-epileptic drugs that can make it worse which is why it is prudent to be seen by an Epileptologist who is a neurologist with extra years of training in epilepsy and neurophysiology (brain waves).
Disclaimer: medical information only not advice, talk to your doctor
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