Additionally, an electroencephalogram (EEG), will indicate a characteristic pattern of waves and spikes associated with the syndrome such as generalized 4–6 Hz polyspike and slow wave discharges. These discharges may be evoked by photic stimulation (blinking lights) and/or hyperventilation. Both a magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI) and computed tomography scan (CT scan) generally appear normal in JME patients. However a number of quantitative MRI studies have reported focal or regional abnormalities of the subcortical and cortical grey matter, particularly the thalamus and frontal cortex, in JME patients. Positron emission tomography reports in some patients may indicate local deviations in many transmitter systems. Management
The most effective anti-epileptic medication for JME is valproic acid (Depakote).Due to valproic acids high incidence of fetal malformations, women of child-bearing age are started on alternative medications such as Lamotrigine, levetiracetam. Carbamazepine may aggravate genetic generalized epilepsies and as such its use should be avoided in JME. Treatment is lifelong. However, recent follow-up researches on a subgroup of patients showed them becoming seizure-free and off anti-epileptic drugs in due course of time. This makes this dogma questionable. Patients should be warned to avoid sleep deprivation. History
The first citation of JME was made in 1857 when Théodore Herpin described a 13-year-old boy with myoclonic jerks, which progressed to tonic-clonic seizures three months later. In 1957, Janz and Christian published a journal article describing several patients with JME. The name Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy was proposed in 1975 and adopted by the International League Against Epilepsy.
Culture
Stand-up comedian Maisie Adam has JME and her award-winning show "Vague" (2018) discussed it.The 2018 documentary film Separating The Strains dealt with the use of CBD oil to treat symptoms of JME. Currently, no scientific evidence exist to support the use of CBD oil to treat symptoms of JME. See also
Progressive myoclonus epilepsies
Spinal muscular atrophy with progressive myoclonic epilepsy


== References ==