Treatment of Epilepsy with Absence Seizures in a Child Younger Than 16 Years
Absence seizures in children under 16 represent a distinct clinical presentation of epilepsy requiring a specific management approach. This protocol addresses the paediatric scenario characterised by these seizure features.
Clinical Scenario
This protocol applies to children younger than 16 years presenting with absence seizures. Onset and offset of altered awareness occurs abruptly; oral and manual automatisms are common, while myoclonus of the limbs is rare. This paediatric profile directly informs the treatment pathway.
Treatment Approach
Antiepileptic drug therapy is central to management in this setting. The full structured regimen — including the sequencing of therapeutic options and when combination strategies become relevant — is detailed in the complete protocol.
References
- Onset and offset of altered awareness occurs abruptly, myoclonus of limbs is rare, and oral and manual automatisms are common.
- Children (younger than 16 years).
- Monotherapy with all indicated AEDs should be attempted before initiating combination therapy.