Late-onset, praxis-induced myoclonic epilepsy

Epileptic Disord. 2012 Jun;14(2):167-71. doi: 10.1684/epd.2012.0498.

Abstract

Praxis-induction of seizures is an interesting subset of reflex epilepsy in which seizures are induced by higher mental activities associated with the use of part of the body. Reflex traits have often been described in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. We report a patient presenting with praxis-induced myoclonic epilepsy at a late age. Ictal myoclonus was triggered by building a bird house and captured by video-polygraphic EEG recording. At 39 years old, the patient's age at onset of epilepsy was consistent with the syndrome of adult myoclonic epilepsy. Our case supports the notion of adult myoclonic epilepsy with possible occurrence of praxis-activation of seizures, as has been noted with the other idiopathic generalised epilepsies. [Published with videosequences].

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Age of Onset
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Brain / pathology
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / complications
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsies, Myoclonic / diagnosis
  • Epilepsies, Myoclonic / etiology
  • Epilepsies, Myoclonic / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Valproic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Video Recording

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Valproic Acid