Abstract
The syndromes of idiopathic generalised epilepsies (IGEs) manifest with three main types of seizures - typical absences, myoclonic jerks and generalised tonic clonic seizures. Typical absence seizures are frequently undercliagnosed or misinterpreted as focal seizures in adult patients.
The correct diagnosis is nevertheless of great practical significance as IGEs demand different treatment to focal epilepsies. Many neurologists still prescribe carbamazepine for typical absences with undesired results - worsening of course of epilepsy (seizures frequency, intensity or developing of absence status).
Irrespective of whether all of IGE syndromes constitute a biological continuum or not, knowledge of specific features of each syndrome is required to differentiate them from focal epilepsies. This article details clinical picture of typical absences and special subtypes of absence seizures, e.g. absences with regional myoclonic jerks, and provides characteristics of different IGE syndromes with absences in adult patients.