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The management of idiopathic generalized epilepsies
Author(s) -
Benbadis S. R.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
acta neurologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.967
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1600-0404
pISSN - 0001-6314
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2005.00512.x
Subject(s) - medicine , idiopathic generalized epilepsy , broad spectrum , pediatrics , intensive care medicine , epilepsy , psychiatry , chemistry , combinatorial chemistry
Idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs) are a well defined group of epilepsies, with onset predominantly in childhood. Recent evidence suggests that IGEs may also be prevalent but under‐diagnosed in adults. IGEs respond well to appropriate treatment and 80–90% of cases become fully controlled. However, correct identification of IGE and selection of a broad‐spectrum antiepileptic drug (AED) is crucial if cases of ‘pseudo‐intractability’ are to be avoided. Preliminary evidence suggests that some of the newer AEDs are broad spectrum and may offer advantages in the treatment of IGEs. There is strong evidence that childhood‐, adolescent‐ and adult‐onset IGEs share biologic determinants and are best viewed as a spectrum or continuum of conditions. The diagnosis of IGE, even as a group, is very important for proper management.