Demographic and clinical characteristics of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in Isfahan/Iran

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is one of the most common idiopathic generelized seizures that include about 5-11% of epilepsies. According to clinical features of JME, this disease could not be diagnosed correctly in clinics which results in inappropriate treatment. However, the clinical response of JME to treatment is excellent and the patients need longlife treatment. In a prospective observational study, JME subjects were selected among epileptic patients referred to neurological clinic of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, using clinical and electroencephalographical criteria. The clinical, demographic and therapeutic treatment characteristics were written in special questionnaires. Patients were followed every 3 months for one year. Among 985 epileptic patients, 50 (5%) subjects with JME were found. Female to male ratio was 3.5. The mean onset age of the seizure was 13 years. Familial history was positive in 38% of them and the precipitating factors were found in 66%. Stress, flashing lights, somnolence, and fatiguability were the precipitating factors in 79% of occasions. All of patients were treated. Finally, 84% of patients responded to treatment completely and 14% of subjects responded partially and only 2% of them were refractory to treatment. JME is more prevalent in female subjects in Iran however the other clinical features of this form of epilepsy are compatible with the previous international studies. More evaluations including genetic investigation is recommended for JME in Iran.