How does Phenytoin exacerbate absence seizures?

The simple answer is that Phenytoin is a medication that is indicated for focal onset seizures. These may appear as grand mal seizures, however in adults almost always begin focally and spread to a secondary generalized seizure. read more

In contrast, absence seizures are a generalized seizure type and part of an epilepsy syndrome. This is sometimes spontaneous and sometimes genetic. Phenytoin does not treat this seizure type. Other medications are treatment options for this seizure type (and other generalized epileptic seizures). read more

The right medication for absence seizure is either valproic acid or Ethosuximide Dr. Zebro (formerly Woldegiorgis) responded: For the type of. Seizure , there is the right type of medication. read more

If seizures continue, or if bothersome side effects occur, the doctor probably will change the amount of phenytoin prescribed. If that doesn't work, the next step may be either to prescribe a different seizure medicine by itself or to prescribe a combination of phenytoin and another seizure medicine. Many are available. read more