My10 month old has myoclonic epilepsy

I would like to know what part of the brain is affected by these myoclonic jerks that my baby has.  Sometimes she falls down and sometimes the jerks are very hard.  She just started medication and I am also concerned about her learning in the future.  Right now, she is learning normally but I have noticed a tiny difference in her dependence for me.   The family is scared to death and I feel like it is my fault because I had her at 40.  Can anyone answer these questions?

[Denisej007]

I am not a clinition by any means. But you was born with the same eggs at 40 as you had at 14. I also have myoclonic seizures and grand mal seizures. I decided not to have children because there was a possibility it could have had a cleft brain. Plus it's the nuturing that makes you a Mother, not where and who gave birth to her.
PLUS! Yes, good news. There is a possiblilty she may out grow them, since she started having them so young.

I hope this helps.
Take care and I wish you the best!
Denise

[Nicole1111]

I'm not a doctor either, but from one mother to another, you need to get rid of the guilt!  This is not your fault, and it is not the end of the world.  (I know it's scary, and it'll always be a challenge, but there are a lot worse medical problems out there that our children DON't have.)  At least, that's what I tell myself on the really bad days.

I don't know of a connection between maternal age at birth and epilepsy, but there may be.  Either way, it doesn't matter - you couldn't have predicted this, it's not your fault, and feeling guilty about it will only make you less mentally focused to caring for your precious baby.  (For what it's worth, my baby's epilepsy actually is my fault - my fainting turned out to be seizures and we never knew until I had my first EEG at age 29 after my son was diagnosed!  We never know everything about anything :)

There is a great chance she'll outgrow them, but it may get worse before it gets better.  Has she had an EEG?  That's the best way to tell where the discharges are coming from in the brain.  

You might want to start a log or journal about her jerks, when they occur, what she's eaten, how she's acting, etc.  Put monthly notes in there about her development, too - it may come in very useful later.  Good luck!  Know that you're not alone, and try to ease up on the guilt - it's going to be okay.

Nicole

[Denisej007]

Thank you and God Bless!
Your Friend!
Denise

[CTorres]

Hi,  

I have a 9yr old that was Dx with myoclonic jerks when she was 9 mo. old.  Back then we were feeling very afraid about what the future was going to be for her and worry that she might grow up with some develomental difficulties.  The truth now is that she still have some episodes of myoclonic jerks that can last 1 entire night but usually they are just a couple of times a year or so.  She has grown to be very smart and with no developmental problems.  When she has them we stay up all night with her to keep her busy and if she tries to sleep she will get the jerks.  I hope this helps...Camille