Jeavons Syndrome

JEAVONS SYNDROME

a.k.a epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia

EYELID MYOCLONIA SEIZURE ACTIVITY

DEMOGRAPHICS

• About 1-2% of adults with epileptic disorders have Jeavons Syndrome
• About 1 in 5 people can develop eyelid myoclonic status epilepticus (when eyelid myoclonia and absences occur back-to-back over long period of time)
• Age onset is between 2 to 14 years
• Peak onset is between 6 to 8 years

• These seizures last less than 6 seconds, but can happen many times during the day
• Seizures are usually triggered by flashing lights or closing the eyes (continuously)
• If there is loss of awareness during the seizure, it is called eyelid myoclonia with absence

HOW TO DIAGNOSE?

CAUSES

• Detailed history & description of what happens during the seizure
• EEG (electroencphalogram)
• During the EEG, you might be asked to repeatdely close and open your eyes and photic stimulation will be used
• This activates the seizure
• This helps doctors to see where the seizure is occuring and how you react to it

Although the cause of Jeavons Syndrome is still unknown, many believe the cause is genetics

OUTLOOK

TREATMENT

• Jeavons Syndrome is a lifelong condition
• Generalized Tonic-Clonic & Absence Seizures respond better to treatment than eyelid myoclonia

• There are different types of medications that can be given to reduce symptoms of Jeavons Syndrome
• Sometimes multiple medications may be needed
• Children may benefit from using Zeiss (Z1) blue lenses (ask care provider for more details)
• Ketogenic diet (ask care provider for more details