Eyelid myoclonia with absences (Jeavons syndrome): a well-defined idiopathic generalized epilepsy syndrome or a spectrum of photosensitive conditions?

Epilepsia. 2009 May:50 Suppl 5:15-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2009.02114.x.

Abstract

Eyelid myoclonia with absences (EMA), or Jeavons syndrome, is a generalized epileptic condition clinically characterized by eyelid myoclonia (EM) with or without absences, eye closure-induced electroencephalography (EEG) paroxysms, and photosensitivity; in addition, rare tonic-clonic seizures may also occur. Although first described in 1977 and widely reported by several authors within the last few years, EMA has not been yet recognized as a definite epileptic syndrome. However, when strict criteria are applied to the diagnosis, EMA appears to be a distinctive condition that could be considered a myoclonic epileptic syndrome, with myoclonia limited to the eyelids, rather than an epileptic syndrome with absences.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsy, Absence / complications*
  • Epilepsy, Generalized / diagnosis*
  • Epilepsy, Reflex / diagnosis*
  • Eyelids / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Myoclonus / complications*
  • Myoclonus / physiopathology*