Chapter 42 The idiopathic generalized epilepsies across life

Abstract

Publisher This chapter discusses some of the early and late forms of epilepsies, considering together the various forms of idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) with characteristic onset at all stages of life. The majority of generalized tonic-clonic (TC) seizures in all forms of IGE occur after awakening and are, particularly likely to happen when the person is aroused after sleep deprivation followed by brief sleep. A second peak of TC seizures in epilepsy on awakening occurs during the evening, after work, during relaxation, or perhaps in relation to fatigue. An increased frequency of absences during relaxation has long been known, coupled with the lesser likelihood of absences occurring ..