Seizure disorders (generalized tonic-clonic)
- Use broad-spectrum ASM when generalized epilepsy is likely
- Valproate is highly effective but pregnancy risk is major
- Levetiracetam/lamotrigine are common alternatives
- Avoid narrow sodium-channel drugs in some generalized syndromes
- Rescue benzodiazepine for prolonged seizures
- Syndrome diagnosis guides long-term choice
Use at a glance
- Use broad-spectrum ASM when generalized epilepsy is likely
Practical pearls
- Levetiracetam/lamotrigine are common alternatives
Choosing treatment
- Rescue benzodiazepine for prolonged seizures
- Syndrome diagnosis guides long-term choice
Safety / pitfalls
- Valproate is highly effective but pregnancy risk is major
- Avoid narrow sodium-channel drugs in some generalized syndromes
Self-check
- What drug spectrum is used when generalized epilepsy is likely?
Broad-spectrum ASM when generalized epilepsy is likely. - Which drugs should be avoided in some generalized seizure syndromes?
Narrow sodium-channel drugs.
Drugs used for this (8)
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