Myoclonic absence seizure
Myoclonic absence seizure is a type of generalized non-motor (absence) seizure characterized by an interruption of ongoing activities, a blank stare and rhythmic three-per-second myoclonic movements, causing ratcheting abduction of the upper limbs leading to progressive arm elevation, and associated with 3 Hz generalized spike-wave discharges on the electroencephalogram. Duration is typically 10-60 s. Whilst impairment of consciousness may not be obvious the ILAE classified this seizure as a generalized non-motor seizure in 2017.
Also called: Myoclonic absence, Myoclonic absences.
Conditions associated with myoclonic absence seizure
The following conditions have been associated with myoclonic absence seizure in medical literature. This is informational and not a diagnosis.
Childhood absence epilepsy
Childhood absence epilepsy is a medical condition that may be associated with various symptoms and signs....
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with spike-wave activation in sleep
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with spike-wave activation in sleep is a medical condition that may...
Karayol-Borroto-Haghshenas neurodevelopmental syndrome
Karayol-Borroto-Haghshenas neurodevelopmental syndrome is a medical condition that may be associated with vari...
congenital disorder of glycosylation, type IIcc
congenital disorder of glycosylation, type IIcc is a medical condition that may be associated with various sym...
developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 6B
developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 6B is a medical condition that may be associated with various sympt...
Tests providers may use to investigate myoclonic absence seizure
When investigating myoclonic absence seizure, a healthcare provider may order one or more of the following laboratory tests. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Urinalysis
Examines urine content to help detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes....
Symptoms commonly seen alongside myoclonic absence seizure
Anxiety
Intense feelings of nervousness, tension, or panic often arise in response to interpersonal stresses. There is...
Constipation
Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces....
Depression
Frequently experiencing feelings of being down, miserable, and/or hopeless; struggling to recover from these m...
Dysphagia
Difficulty in swallowing....
Hearing impairment
A decreased magnitude of the sensory perception of sound....
Seizure
A seizure is an intermittent abnormality of nervous system physiology characterized by a transient occurrence ...
When to seek care
Seek care from a qualified healthcare provider if myoclonic absence seizure is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the symptom myoclonic absence seizure mean?
Myoclonic absence seizure is a health sign or symptom described in medical literature. Myoclonic absence seizure is a type of generalized non-motor (absence) seizure characterized by an interruption of ongoing activities, a blank stare and rhythmic three-per-second myoclonic movements, causing ratcheting abduction of the upper limbs leading to progressive arm elevation, and associated with 3 Hz generalized spike-wave discharges on the electroencephalogram. Duration is typically 10-60 s. Whilst impairment of consciousness may not be obvious the ILAE classified this seizure as a generalized non-motor seizure in 2017.
Which conditions are associated with myoclonic absence seizure?
Myoclonic absence seizure has been reported in association with 5 conditions in the medical literature we index, including Childhood absence epilepsy, Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with spike-wave activation in sleep, Karayol-Borroto-Haghshenas neurodevelopmental syndrome, congenital disorder of glycosylation, type IIcc, developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 6B. These associations do not mean you have any of these conditions.
Should I see a doctor about myoclonic absence seizure?
You should discuss any persistent or concerning symptoms with a qualified healthcare provider. This website does not provide diagnosis. If you have severe symptoms or signs of a medical emergency, seek care immediately.