AEDs for absence seizures

Question 1

first line treatment for absence seizures

Answer 1

ethosuximide (ethos on board)

Question 2

how ethosuximide works

Answer 2

block T-type Ca channels (closed calci-yum milk on desk and T on thermos) in thalamic neurons, stops sustained rhythmic bursts

Question 3

side effects of ethosuximide

Answer 3

GI distress (pain, nausea, vomiting) (bully punching other kid in the stomach)
lethargy and fatigue (kid sleeping)

Question 4

other drugs for absence seizures

Answer 4

valproate especially if have absence seizures with focal and tonic-clonic seizures too, then it is the first line treatment (festival banner)
lamotrigine, not as effective than valproate (llama)