Myoclonic Epilepsy Overview

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Learn About Myoclonic Epilepsy

What is the definition of Myoclonic Epilepsy?
Myoclonic epilepsy is a type of seizure disorder characterized by quick jerking movements due to uncontrolled muscle contractions caused by abnormal electrical impulses in the brain. Unlike grand mal (tonic-clonic) seizures, during a myoclonic seizure the affected individual does not lose consciousness. There are several types of myoclonic epilepsy, including infantile spasms, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and progressive myoclonic epilepsy, among others.
What are the symptoms of Myoclonic Epilepsy?
Symptoms of myoclonic epilepsy depend on the type and usually affects the neck, shoulders, and upper arms. Symptoms of myoclonic epilepsy may include quick, uncontrolled muscle jerks; rhythmic movements; arms flinging outward; knees pulling up; body stiffening; and unusual clumsiness. Myoclonic seizures may occur with atonic seizures, which cause limp muscles. When myoclonic epilepsy worsens, it is known as progressive myoclonic epilepsy, which is a rare seizure disorder characterized by both myoclonic and tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures.
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What are the current treatments for Myoclonic Epilepsy?
Treatment for myoclonic epilepsy depends on the type, frequency, and severity of the seizures and may include anti-seizure (anti-epileptic) medications, ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) implantation, and surgery.
Who are the top Myoclonic Epilepsy Local Doctors?
Elite in Myoclonic Epilepsy
Dr. Orrin Devinsky
Neurology | General Surgery
Elite in Myoclonic Epilepsy
Dr. Orrin Devinsky
Neurology | General Surgery

New York University

223 E 34th St, 
New York, NY 
646-558-0800
Languages Spoken:
English
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Orrin Devinsky is a Neurologist and a General Surgeon in New York, New York. Dr. Devinsky is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Myoclonic Epilepsy. His top areas of expertise are Myoclonic Epilepsy, Dravet Syndrome, Seizures, Epilepsy, and Deep Brain Stimulation.

Elite in Myoclonic Epilepsy
Ingrid E. Scheffer
Elite in Myoclonic Epilepsy
Ingrid E. Scheffer
50 Flemington Rd, 
Parkville, VIC, AU 

Ingrid Scheffer practices in Parkville, Australia. Ms. Scheffer is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Myoclonic Epilepsy. Her top areas of expertise are Myoclonic Epilepsy, West Syndrome, Epilepsy, and Epilepsy with Myoclonic-Atonic Seizures.

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Myoclonic Epilepsy
Samuel F. Berkovic
Elite in Myoclonic Epilepsy
Samuel F. Berkovic
245 Burgundy St, 
Heidelberg, VIC, AU 

Samuel Berkovic practices in Heidelberg, Australia. Mr. Berkovic is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Myoclonic Epilepsy. His top areas of expertise are Myoclonic Epilepsy, Epilepsy, Partial Familial Epilepsy, and Epilepsy with Myoclonic-Atonic Seizures.

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What are the latest Myoclonic Epilepsy Clinical Trials?
A Phase 1b, Multicenter, Open-Label, Single-arm Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Oral Solution (CBD-OS [GWP42003-P, JZP926]) in Participants Aged 12 to 75 Years for the Treatment of Focal-Onset Seizures
A Phase 1b, Multicenter, Open-Label, Single-arm Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Oral Solution (CBD-OS [GWP42003-P, JZP926]) in Participants Aged 12 to 75 Years for the Treatment of Focal-Onset Seizures
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: December 12, 2025
Intervention Type: Drug
Study Phase: Phase 1

Summary: Cannabidiol oral solution (CBD-OS) is approved in the US for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome (DS), or Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in patients 1 year of age and older. This study will assess the efficacy and safety of CBD-OS in participants aged 12 to 75 years for the treatment of focal-onset seizures (FOS).

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Longitudinal Study of Phenotypic and Developmental Severity in Patients With Dravet Syndrome With SCN1A Gene Mutation
Longitudinal Study of Phenotypic and Developmental Severity in Patients With Dravet Syndrome With SCN1A Gene Mutation
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: November 26, 2025

Summary: Dravet syndrome with SCN1A gene mutation is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by treatment-resistant epilepsy and global developmental delay. Despite the considerable attention recently Dravet syndrome (DS) in drug development, studies characterising the progression of the neurodevelopmental phenotype over time remain limited. In particular, many previous studies of natura...

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