Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
09:57

Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Published on: September 20, 2024

Absence seizures in children

Ewa Posner1

  • 1University Hospital of North Durham, Durham, UK.

BMJ Clinical Evidence
|May 20, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This systematic review examines treatments for typical absence seizures in children, a common epilepsy type impacting quality of life. It analyzes the effectiveness and safety of various medications, including clonazepam, ethosuximide, gabapentin, lamotrigine, and valproate.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Epileptology
  • Clinical Evidence Synthesis

Background:

  • Typical absence seizures account for approximately 10% of childhood epilepsy cases.
  • These seizures significantly affect a child's quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the effects of treatments for typical absence seizures in children.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of various antiepileptic drugs.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted across major databases up to October 2007.
  • Included studies comprised 16 systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and observational studies.
  • GRADE methodology was used to assess the quality of evidence for interventions.

Main Results:

  • The review synthesized evidence on the effectiveness and safety of key antiepileptic drugs.
  • Included interventions were clonazepam, ethosuximide, gabapentin, lamotrigine, and valproate.

Conclusions:

  • The systematic review provides crucial information on the efficacy and safety profiles of selected treatments for typical absence seizures in pediatric populations.
  • This evidence supports clinical decision-making for managing this epilepsy subtype.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy10:22

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy

Published on: December 6, 2016

Application of an Amplitude-integrated EEG Monitor (Cerebral Function Monitor) to Neonates05:58

Application of an Amplitude-integrated EEG Monitor (Cerebral Function Monitor) to Neonates

Published on: September 6, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Seizures: Classification01:13

Seizures: Classification

Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Seizures l: Introduction01:20

Seizures l: Introduction

Understanding seizures and epilepsy relies on key definitions that help in recognizing, classifying, and managing these disorders. These definitions provide a framework for recognizing, classifying, and managing seizure disorders.DefinitionsA seizure is a sudden, abnormal burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in awareness, movement, sensation, or behavior, depending on the area involved. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures,...
Epilepsy ll: Types01:22

Epilepsy ll: Types

Recurrent seizures, stemming from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are the defining characteristic of epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition. Because seizure features vary greatly, epilepsy is classified using two systems: by seizure type and by epilepsy syndromes. These classifications enable clinicians to describe seizure patterns and select suitable treatment strategies.I. Classification by Seizure Type1. Focal EpilepsyFocal epilepsy begins in one hemisphere of the brain.
Seizures ll: Types01:19

Seizures ll: Types

Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical discharge in the brain that interfere with normal function. They are commonly divided into three groups: focal seizures, generalized seizures, and other types that do not fit neatly into either category.Focal SeizuresFocal seizures begin in a single brain region. When awareness is preserved, they are called focal aware seizures and may cause sensations such as tingling, unusual smells, or flashing lights. When awareness is impaired, they are...
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers01:08

Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers

Antiepileptic drugs are specialized medications that prevent seizures in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. These drugs primarily function by blocking the movement of sodium ions through channels in the neuronal membrane, inhibiting the repetitive firing of action potentials often associated with seizures.
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...