Myoclonic seizures

Myoclonic seizures involve sudden muscle jerks - for example, the head may suddenly nod, or there may be abrupt jerking of the arms and/or legs.

If myoclonic seizures take place in young children they are normally called infantile spasms or salaam attacks. This form of seizure involves the child's whole body as they are thrown forward with their arms up. These often happen within a short time of waking, either on their own or accompanied by other forms of generalised seizures.