The international classification of epilepsies and epileptic syndromes places juvenile myoclonic epilepsy under what category?

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is classified under generalized epilepsies and syndromes because it involves both generalized tonic-clonic seizures and myoclonic jerks, which are forms of seizures that affect both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously. This classification aligns with the characteristic features of JME, where myoclonic jerks typically occur upon awakening, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures manifest later.

Generalized epilepsies are specifically identified by their tendency to involve widespread cortical areas, which is a defining trait of conditions like JME. In contrast, the other categories, such as focal epilepsies, would describe conditions where seizures start in one localized area of the brain, which does not apply to the generalized nature of JME. Cryptogenic epilepsies are those with unclear origins, but JME has a distinct clinical phenotype and clear genetic and neurobiological associations, placing it under the more defined category of generalized epilepsies and syndromes. Unclassified epilepsies lack enough information to determine their cause or type, which also doesn't fit JME's well-documented presentation.