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I. Epilepsy: Current Concepts in Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis and treatment of absence seizures

J. Kiffin Penry, M.D.
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine June 1984, 51 (2) 283-286;
J. Kiffin Penry
1Professor of Neurology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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ABSTRACT

Absence seizures are characterized by a brief, blank stare. Such seizures occur suddenly, without an aura, and likewise end suddenly, without mental confusion. They may be associated with mild clonic movements, an increase or decrease in postural tone, or automatisms. The ictal electroencephalogram (EEG) reveals generalized spike-and-wave discharges, usually at 3 Hz, though the interictal EEG is usually normal. Seizures usually begin between five and 15 years of age and usually subside with adulthood. Half the patients have a history of one or more generalized tonic-clonic seizures, which may precede or follow the onset of absence seizures. One third have a family history of seizures. Ethosuximide is the preferred treatment in individuals who have absence seizures alone, while valproic acid is preferred for those with a history of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Once the dose is adjusted to provide an effective trough drug level, nearly all seizures can be completely (or at least satisfactorily) controlled.

Index terms
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Epilepsy
  • myoclonus
  • Seizures
  • Received October 1983.
  • Accepted October 1983.
  • Copyright © 1984 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
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Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine: 51 (2)
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
Vol. 51, Issue 2
20 Jun 1984
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Diagnosis and treatment of absence seizures
J. Kiffin Penry
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine Jun 1984, 51 (2) 283-286;

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Diagnosis and treatment of absence seizures
J. Kiffin Penry
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine Jun 1984, 51 (2) 283-286;
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More in this TOC Section

I. Epilepsy: Current Concepts in Diagnosis and Treatment

  • Febrile convulsions: a new look at an old problem
  • Antiepileptic Drug Development Program
  • Differential diagnosis and treatment of intractable seizures
Show more I. Epilepsy: Current Concepts in Diagnosis and Treatment

Contributions

  • Febrile convulsions: a new look at an old problem
  • Antiepileptic Drug Development Program
  • Differential diagnosis and treatment of intractable seizures
Show more Contributions

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Keywords

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Epilepsy
  • myoclonus
  • SEIZURES

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