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

More general terms

• seizure; epileptic seizure

More specific terms

• absence (petit-mal) seizure
• atonic seizure
• generalized tonic-clonic (grand-mal) seizure (GTCS, PGTCS, PGTC)
• myoclonic seizure
• tonic seizure