Prognostic Role of Focal Clinical Findings and Electroencephalographic Features of Patients With Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy

Objectives: Our aim was to investigate the relationship between the focal clinical findings and electroencephalographic (EEG) features of patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) and their prognosis. Methods: We retrospectively studied the clinical and EEG features of 110 patients with JME and classified each seizure type and its evolution according to the semiologic seizure classification. Focal semiologic features and focal interictal EEG findings were defined in each patient. Results: Fifteen patients (13.6%) had focal clinical features, and 13 patients (11.8%) had isolated focal EEG abnormalities. Regarding their prognosis, patients were classified into three groups: seizure free, good prognosis, or poor prognosis. Ten patients had a poor prognosis, and 9 (90%) of those patients exhibited focal clinical features, focal EEG features, or both. Conclusion: Our study supported that focal clinical features, except the presence of auras, and focal or asymmetrical features plus generalized EEG abnormalites, especially isolated focal EEG features, as suggestive of a poor prognosis.