Seizure disorders (absence)
- Ethosuximide is first-line for pure absence seizures
- Valproate if generalized tonic-clonic seizures also occur
- Lamotrigine is an alternative
- Some sodium-channel drugs can worsen absence epilepsy
- Confirm with characteristic generalized EEG pattern
- Treat until sustained remission criteria are met
Use at a glance
- Ethosuximide is first-line for pure absence seizures
Practical pearls
- Lamotrigine is an alternative
Treatment options
- Some sodium-channel drugs can worsen absence epilepsy
- Treat until sustained remission criteria are met
Choosing treatment
- Valproate if generalized tonic-clonic seizures also occur
- Confirm with characteristic generalized EEG pattern
Self-check
- How long should absence seizures be treated?
Until sustained remission criteria are met. - What is first-line for pure absence seizures?
Ethosuximide.
Drugs used for this (11)
All clinical uses · Open Seizure disorders (absence) in the interactive console ↗