Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale
Published on: July 8, 2025
Ictal video-polygraphic features of perioral myoclonia with absences
Giuseppe d'Orsi1, Vincenzo Demaio, Marina Trivisano
1Epilepsy Center-Clinic of Nervous System Diseases, University of Foggia, Riuniti Hospital, Foggia, Italy. giudorsi@yahoo.it
Abstract:
There have been few case reports of perioral myoclonia with absences (POMA) because of the lack of video-polygraphic recordings clarifying the electroencephalogram (EEG)-electromyogram (EMG) correlations. We describe one of the first video-polygraphic studies of POMA in a patient who underwent repeated and prolonged split-screen video-polygraphic recordings. The ictal EEG showed generalized and irregular discharges of spikes or multiple spikes and slow waves, while two concomitant EMG patterns appeared: (1) a rhythmic enhancement of the orbicularis oris and masseter muscles on both sides with minimal asymmetry corresponding to perioral movements, and (2) a progressive increment in muscular tone in the mylohyoideus muscle corresponding to oroalimentary automatisms. Myoclonic jerks were inconstantly time-locked to the spike component of the spike-wave complex. The evidence of a complex pattern of activation of the facial muscles suggests that the involvement of subcortical central pattern generators, related to masticatory activity, through the disinhibitory effect of the spike-wave discharge is a possible pathophysiological mechanism underlying POMA.
Related Concept Videos
Seizures ll: Types
Seizures: Classification
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Epilepsy ll: Types
Seizures l: Introduction
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

