Generalized seizures occur in various seizure syndromes, including myoclonic epilepsy, familial neonatal convulsions, childhood absence epilepsy, absence epilepsy, infantile spasms (West's syndrome), Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Generalized epilepsy with occipital semiology.

While some patients outgrow their epilepsy during adolescence and no longer need medication, in others, the condition remains for life, thereby requiring lifelong medication and monitoring.

Seven anti-epileptic drugs are approved for use in cases of suspected primary generalized epilepsy: Valproate, a relatively old drug, is often considered the first-line treatment.

It is highly effective, but its association with fetal malformations when taken in pregnancy limits its use in young women.

[6] All anti-epileptic drugs (including the above) can be used in cases of partial seizures.