[Epilepsy with myoclonic absences]

Within generalized epilepsy, the syndrome of epilepsy with myoclonic absences is considered as intermediate between idiopathic and symptomatic forms. This syndrome is characterized by developing in childhood with a male predominance. Critical EEG shows paroxysms of PO at 3 Hz, and in the polygraphic recording rhythmic 3 Hz myoclonus is observed with a strict correspondence between EEG spike and myoclonus. The response to therapy is generally poor, and 18% develop generalized symptomatic epilepsy. We report 3 patients with epilepsy with myoclonic absences and good outcome, to emphasize the importance of a precise diagnosis by means of the polygraphic recording of the attack, the fact the association of sodium valproate and ethosuximide is the most useful therapy and, finally, the possibility that some patients with epilepsy with myoclonic absence may develop Janz's juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.