jme and learning disibilities

Posted by kathy on April 18, 1999 at 09:38:28
    my 16 yr old daughter was diagnosed with jme 2 years after the
onset.  I know this is fairly typical because the jerks aren't percieved
as seizures until after the person has had a grand mal seizure.  She
probably had absence seizures proir to the myoclonic jerks.  my
question is are their any studies that show a cluster of learning
disabilities with this type of epilepsy.  I've seen things that hint at low
low motivation, slow maturation etc.  I'm seeing a new neurologist
on wed. and am going to suggest a neuropsychological and a mri...Would
these be appropriate to diagnose a ld? How are insurances at covering
this.  Also is depression a factor among this population.  Any info
would be appreciated
Posted by CCF Neuro MD* on April 19, 1999 at 10:48:32
Dear Kathy,
JME is not associated with cotnitive or mental changes.  Approximately 10% of patients with JME have absence seizure.  If your daughter is having this type , it may affect school performance in the sense that there are brief periods of loss of awareness. This needs to be investigated with an EEG and close observation. Depression is not uncommon in patients with epilepsy.  Neuropsych testing will probably not add any additional information.  MRIs in this patient population are typically normal.  I cannot comment on your insurance because different policies cover different testing.  You will need to discuss this with your doctor.  If you are interested in getting an evaluation at CCF call 1-800-CCF-CARE.  Good Luck.