Absence seizures are sometimes referred to as petit mal seizures (i.e. \"little illness\"). They are characterized by age of onset between 4-12 yrs. Sodium valproate, ethosuximide; lamotrigine and clonazepam are the presently used antiepileptics. The purpose of medication of absence seizures is to eliminate or reduce the frequency of the absence seizures without causing side-effects more serious than the epilepsy itself. However each of these medications has potential side effects, some of them possibly serious e.g. sodium valproate is well known teratogen, less tolerated by Indians and in children has been reported to cause fulminant hepatitis. Ethosuximide and lamotrigine though rarely cause hypersensitivity reactions are found inferior to sodium valproate in several studies. Clonazepam not recommended for long term due to problem of tolerance hence any new antiepileptic having less side effects and better tolerability will be welcomed in current scenario for treating absence seizures.
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