Myoclonic
Myoclonic seizures are sudden and brief. They cause people to have jerks that can affect one or both arms, the head or the whole body.
Fast facts about myclonic seizures
The word myoclonic comes from ‘myo’ meaning muscle, and ‘clonus’ meaning jerk
Myoclonic seizures don’t usually affect consciousness
The seizures usually only last for a fraction of a second, and happen with no warning
The jerking can be very mild, like a twitch or shock, or it can be forceful
If the jerks are very forceful they can cause accidents, which may result in injury
Some people have myoclonic seizures in clusters
They often happen soon after waking up
How people can help
If you have myoclonic seizures.
It’s helpful for others to:
- Be aware myoclonic seizures happen with no warning
- Provide reassurance if there has been an accident or injury
- Give first aid, or get help to treat any injuries
It’s not helpful for others to:
- Over react or panic
After the seizure
You will probably be able to get back to what you were doing straight away.
Do something
Keeping a seizure diary really helps people to understand their seizures better.
What percentage of your seizures are you recording in a seizure diary?
