What is the first-line treatment for absence seizures?

The first-line treatment for absence seizures is ethosuximide. This medication is specifically designed to target and effectively manage absence seizures, which are characterized by brief episodes of impaired consciousness. Ethosuximide works by reducing the frequency of these seizures through its action on T-type calcium channels in the thalamic neurons, which play a crucial role in the generation of the rhythmic neuronal activity associated with absence seizures.

While other medications, such as sodium valproate, lamotrigine, and levetiracetam, can be effective for various types of seizures including generalized seizures, ethosuximide is considered the most effective and preferred option specifically for the treatment of absence seizures due to its targeted mechanism of action and favorable side effect profile.