This protocol covers myoclonic epilepsy in infancy in children younger than 16 years of age who present with myoclonic seizures — a distinct paediatric subgroup that requires a structured, evidence-based treatment approach.
Rhythmic myoclonic jerks of the shoulders and arms with tonic abduction, resulting in progressive lifting of the arms during the seizure, are characteristic of this presentation in children under 16 years of age.
Management begins with monotherapy — a single antiseizure medication — as the initial strategy. Monotherapy should be fully explored before any combination approach is considered. The specific agent, dosing, and escalation pathway are outlined in the full protocol.
Children (younger than 16 years)
Rhythmic myoclonic jerks of the shoulders and arms with tonic abduction that results in progressive lifting of the arms during the seizure are typical.
Treatment should begin with monotherapy.
Monotherapy with all indicated AEDs should be attempted before initiating combination therapy.
Level D: topiramate, valproic acid
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