Treatment of epilepsies associated with typical absences

This review concentrates on the treatment of typical absences, which are distinct generalized epileptic seizures occurring mainly in the context of idiopathic generalized epilepsies. As typical absences may occur in combination with other generalized seizures, often in a syndrome-related pattern and vary in terms of frequency and severity, a brief discussion of the various different epileptic syndromes with typical absences and some principles of differential diagnosis are necessary. The diagnostic role of the electroencephalogram and its usefulness in monitoring the response to treatment are also outlined. To better comprehend the usefulness of the first-choice antiabsence drugs, but also the risks from those that are contraindicated, a brief section on the neurobiology of the mechanisms underlying absence seizures is also included.