Affiliation:
1. Department of Neurology, Thiruvalla Medical Mission Hospital, Thiruvalla, India
2. Departments of Pediatrics, Thiruvalla Medical Mission, Tiruvalla, India
Abstract
Abstract
Jeavons syndrome is an uncommon generalized epilepsy syndrome characterized by a triad of eyelid myoclonia with or without absences, as indicated by epileptiform discharges on electroencephalography (EEG) precipitated by eye closure and photosensitivity. Eyelid myoclonia is an ictal phenomenon manifested as repeated fluttering or trembling of the eyelids or eyelid blinking, often precipitated by eye closure and light exposure. It has often been mistaken for eye-blinking tics. Myoclonic jerks involving the head, resembling a head shaking movement, may be observed in Jeavons syndrome, which may be misdiagnosed as a head nodding tic. Many case reports of this syndrome have incorrectly diagnosed eye blinking tics; however, misdiagnosis as head nodding tics is rarely reported. We report the case of a 10-year-old girl, referred to us for evaluation of head nodding tics, who was observed to have eyelid myoclonia and upward gaze deviation during photic stimulation. The patient’s EEG showed bursts of polyspike and wave discharges. She was diagnosed with Jeavons syndrome and was initiated on anti-epileptic agents.