Absence seizures

Abstract

Presenting two patients with typical absence seizures this paper discusses the clinical features, diagnostic tests and therapeutic possibilities of the disease. Absence seizures may have various clinical pictures. Early recognition and treatment may prevent avoidable complications and sequelae. Otherwise the prognostic outcome is poor. In addition to clinical observation, EEG is the most helpful diagnostic means. This shows characteristic changes especially under stimulation by hyperventilation. Ethosuximide is the drug of choice in the therapy of absence seizures, which causes the clinical symptoms as well as EEG changes to disappear.