Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: long-term response to therapy

Data from 50 patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) were analyzed retrospectively to assess the response to drug therapy--long-term seizure control, relapse rates, and confounding factors in seizure recurrence. Valproate is the only available antiepileptic drug that has been shown to be effective in controlling the generalized seizure components of JME--myoclonic, tonic--clonic, and absence seizures--without significant side effects. Data were collected using the EpiMonitor software and represented case follow-up from 2 months to 9 years. Forty-three patients (86%) were seizure free for at least 1 year; 25 patients (50%) relapsed at some point during follow-up. Relapses were precipitated most frequently by fatigue, noncompliance, stress, sleep deprivation, and alcohol consumption. With accurate diagnosis and appropriate therapy, seizures in JME can be adequately controlled, although JME is a chronic disorder that may require lifelong therapy. To minimize relapse, patient management must also focus on patient lifestyle to eliminate or control lifestyle-associated precipitants of seizure relapse.