Typical absence seizures and their treatment.

Typical absences (previously known as petit mal) are generalised seizures that are distinctively diVerent from any other type of epileptic fit. They are pharmacologically unique and demand special attention in their treatment. The prevalence of typical absences among children with epilepsies is about 10%, probably with a female preponderance. Typical absences are easy to diagnose and treat. Therefore, it is alarming that 40% of children with typical absences were inappropriately treated with contraindicated drugs, such as carbamazepine and vigabatrin, according to a recent report from London, UK. The purpose of this paper is to oVer some guidance to paediatricians regarding diagnosis and management of typical absence seizures. This is also important because of the introduction of new antiepileptic drugs. These are mainly tested in partial (focal) epilepsies and there are inappropriate generalisations regarding their use in the treatment of other epilepsies.