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primary generalized seizure
Pathology:
- behavioral & electroencephalographic changes resulting from abnormal electrical activity of both cerebral hemispheres
Clinical manifestations:
- loss of consciousness or awareness at onset
- no prodome
- no localizing symptoms
Management:
- 1st line anticonvulsants
- lamotrigine (may worsen myoclonic seizures)
- levetiracetam
- vaproic acid*
- some seizure types may be worsened by
- gabapentin, pregabalin, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine
* avoid valproic acid in pregnant women & women of child-bearing age [2]
Specific
absence (petit-mal) seizure
atonic seizure
generalized tonic-clonic (grand-mal) seizure (GTCS, PGTCS, PGTC)
myoclonic seizure
tonic seizure
General
seizure; epileptic seizure
References
- Saunders Manual of Medical Practice, Rakel (ed), WB Saunders,
Philadelphia, 1996, pg 1025-27
- Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 19
Board Basics. An Enhancement to MKSAP19.
American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2022