What is Doose Syndrome?
Doose syndrome is a seizure disorder characterized by frequent myoclonic and myoclonic-atonic seizures. “Myoclonic seizures” cause jerking or twitching in the arms and legs. “Atonic seizures” cause a loss of muscle control. Atonic seizures are also called “drop” or “astatic” seizures. Doose syndrome is sometimes called “myoclonic-astatic epilepsy.”
Children with Doose syndrome may have other types of seizures as well. One example is generalized tonic-clonic seizures. These types of seizures involve stiffening of the body and / or arms and legs. This can be followed by rhythmic jerking.
The disorder is rare. It affects 1-2% of all children with epilepsy. It is more common in boys than girls. Signs and symptoms typically begin between 2 and 6 years of age.
For children with Doose syndrome, seizures are very hard to control completely with typical anti-seizure medications. There is no cure for Doose syndrome. Many children can get at least some seizure relief with a ketogenic or modified Atkins diet. Some children will outgrow Doose syndrome.