Juvenile Absence Epilepsy C4317339
A childhood epilepsy syndrome marked by brief periods of unresponsiveness and staring. Commonly affects school-age children. Usually managed effectively with anti-seizure medication.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- G43.909
- ICD-11
- 8A00.0
- Body system
- neurologic
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Brief absence seizures (staring spells)
(neurologic)Generalized symptoms
(neurologic)Noticeable symptoms that may vary in intensity over time.
Frequency: Common at all stages
Automatic behaviors (lip smacking)
(neurologic)Rapid eye blinking
(neurologic)Postictal confusion
(neurologic)Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Anti-Epileptic Drug Therapy
First-line treatment with medications such as ethosuximide, valproic acid, or lamotrigine to control absence seizures through sodium channel or calcium channel modulation.
Exercise prescription and weight management
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
EEG Monitoring and Follow-up
Regular electroencephalogram assessments to confirm diagnosis, evaluate treatment response, and detect generalized spike-wave patterns.
When to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Juvenile Absence Epilepsy C4317339?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Glauser TA, Cnaan A, Shinnar S, et al. Ethosuximide, valproic acid, and lamotrigine in childhood absence epilepsy. N Engl J Med. 2012;367(12):1119-1127.
Hirsch E, French J, Scheffer IE, et al. ILAE classification of the epilepsies: Position paper of the ILAE Commission for Classification and Terminology. Epilepsia. 2022;63(4):739-850.
Matsuo M, Toda Y, Hata D, et al. Long-term outcomes of ethosuximide treatment in juvenile absence epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Epilepsy Res. 2020;166:106404.
Bazil CW, Walczak TS. Juvenile absence epilepsy and eyelid myoclonia. J Clin Neurophysiol. 2017;34(3):235-240.
Medication Comparisons
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy