Symptom 8: Impaired Consciousness
Impaired consciousness, ranging from brief periods of unawareness to prolonged episodes of unresponsiveness, is another critical symptom of myoclonic epilepsy. This symptom is particularly associated with absence seizures and tonic-clonic seizures.
During an absence seizure, the individual might stare blankly into space and fail to respond to external stimuli. This state of impaired consciousness lasts only a few seconds but may occur many times a day. On the other hand, during a tonic-clonic seizure, the individual may lose consciousness completely, often accompanied by convulsive movements.
Impaired consciousness can pose several challenges. It can disrupt routine activities and lead to unpredictable and potentially harmful situations, like falling or losing control while driving. This unpredictability often leads to restrictions in activities like swimming or driving, impacting the individual’s independence and lifestyle. (8)
