Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is a common idiopathic generalized epileptic syndrome that occurs in 5% to 10% of patients with epilepsy. Despite this, it is still frequently unrecognized and misdiagnosed, even as epilepsy of focal onset. Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy usually responds well to treatment with appropriate anticonvulsants, and misdiagnosis often results in unnecessary morbidity. This article reviews the syndrome, including the clinical and electroencephalographic features, the misinterpretation of which contributes to misdiagnosis.