[Use of lamotrigine in the treatment of absence epilepsy crises].
OBJECTIVE
To review the current treatment and usefulness of lamotrigine in absence seizures.


METHODS
Absence seizures are classified amongst the generalized epilepsies. They are defined as a transient loss of consciousness of sudden onset and recovery characteristically associated with generalized spike-and-wave discharges on the EEG. In recent years, the epileptic syndromes associated with this type of seizure have been better defined, basically by means of video-EEG studies. The International League Against Epilepsy has recognized four epileptic syndromes with typical absences: absence-epilepsy of childhood, juvenile absence-epilepsy, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and epilepsy with myoclonic absences. The classical treatment for this type of seizure was based on ethosuximide, or more often, sodium valproate. Sometimes both drugs together were necessary. Other useful drugs are the benzodiazepines such as clobazam.


CONCLUSIONS
We review studies of the efficacy and tolerance of lamotrigine in the treatment of absence seizures, one of the groups of seizures in which this drug has been shown to be most effective. Although studies comparing lamotrigine, valproate and ethosuximide are necessary, we emphasize the possibility that lamotrigine may be a drug of choice in absence seizures.
Mauri-Llerda
J A
JA
Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, San Juan Bosco, 15. E-Zaragoza 50009.
Tejero-Juste
C
C
Iñiguez
C
C
Morales-Asín
F
F
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004832:Epilepsy, Absence / Q000145:classification / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005013:Ethosuximide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D000077213:Lamotrigine; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014227:Triazines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014227:Triazines; D005013:Ethosuximide; D014635:Valproic Acid; D000077213:Lamotrigine