Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies

Abstract

Syndromes of idiopathic generalized epilepsy manifest with typical absences, myoclonic jerks and generalized tonic clonic seizures. A patient may have only one of these types of seizure but others may have a combination of two or all of them depending on syndrome. Patients are typically otherwise normal and have no anatomical brain abnormalities. Most syndromes of IGE start in childhood or adolescence, but some have an adult onset. The EEG is the most sensitive test in confirming the diagnosis. Response to appropriate antiepileptic drug is usually good but treatment may often be life-long.