Epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures (EMAS) was formerly known as myoclonic-astatic epilepsy (MAE) or Doose Syndrome. It is an uncommon childhood epilepsy that accounts for 1-2 out of 100 of all childhood-onset epilepsies. Genetics plays an important role in this condition, and in some cases a family history of seizures can be found. It generally affects more boys than girls. Usually the first seizure occurs between 7 months and 6 years, but most will occur between 2 and 4 years of age.
Children living with EMAS develop myoclonic and/or myoclonic-astatic (or drop) seizures, and may also have a combination of other generalised seizures (tonic-clonic, absence and non-convulsive status epilepticus and, rarely, tonic seizures). The ketogenic diet can sometimes prove an effective therapy for children with this syndrome.
For more information about EMAS (Doose Syndrome) visit the Doose Syndrome Epilepsy Alliance
For more information about EMAS visit the Epilepsy New Zealand USA