title: Pharmacological treatment of childhood absence epilepsy.
abstract: This review discusses current pharmacological treatment of childhood absence epilepsy (CAE). The key to successful treatment is the correct diagnosis of the epileptic syndrome, hence the initial part of the paper discusses the definition, diagnostic criteria and epidemiology. This is followed by a detailed analysis of pharmacological agents used in the treatment of CAE. The characteristics of old and new anticonvulsants used in the treatment of CAE are also reviewed. For each of the drugs, the mechanism of action, usual dose, common side effects and recommendations for treatment are also discussed. A separate section focuses on instances when anticonvulsants may exacerbate seizures. Particular emphasis is given to the evidence currently available, on which clinical practice needs to be based.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of North Durham, Department of Paediatrics, North Road Durham, DH1 5TW, UK. Ewa.Posner@cddah.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Ewa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Posner
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000075202:Contraindications; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004832:Epilepsy, Absence / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants