Generalized epilepsies: emerging insights into cellular and genetic mechanisms.

: In the past year we have gained significant insights into the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying generalized absence seizures, primarily through the study of animal models. Also a new understanding has emerged about the genetic bases of certain syndromes in which generalized myoclonic and tonic-clonic seizures are expressed. New insights into these different types of generalized seizures may lead eventually to new therapies.