Myoclonus Explained: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

4. Myoclonus Causes: Epileptic

Epileptic myoclonus occurs in individuals with epileptic disorders and can occur in both primary generalized epilepsy syndromes -- such as Jeavon's syndrome and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) -- and secondary (symptomatic) generalized epilepsy syndromes such as primary myoclonic epilepsy (PME). The latter causes individuals to experience myoclonus, seizures, and difficulty speaking or walking. PME usually begins during childhood or adolescence. The rare conditions classified as PME are often progressive and can be fatal.