StatPearls, LLC

  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsy, Absence
  • Lennox Gastaut Syndrome
  • Myoclonic Epilepsy, Juvenile
  • Seizures

Absence Seizure

Absence seizures are classified as a type of generalized onset nonmotor seizure with clinical symptoms, including unresponsiveness and staring spells. Absence seizures are generally seen in children aged 5 to 15 years and occur in multiple genetic generalized epilepsies, including childhood absence epilepsy (CAE), juvenile absence epilepsy (JAE), and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). Atypical absence seizures have been reported in up to 60% of patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. A classic EEG finding of a 3-Hz spike and wave discharges is found. Absence epilepsy is an electroclinical diagnosis (clinical presentation and EEG findings). While primarily affecting children, absence seizures can persist into adulthood, significantly impacting daily functioning and quality of life if left untreated. This course aims to provide an in-depth understanding of absence seizures, a condition that often goes unrecognized or misdiagnosed. The clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options for absence seizures are reviewed. This activity also addresses the unique electroencephalogram (EEG) findings characteristic of absence seizures and the differential diagnosis to distinguish them from other seizure types and nonepileptic events. Participants will gain insights into the latest evidence-based management strategies, including pharmacological interventions and nonpharmacological approaches, tailored to effectively control absence seizures. The role of an interprofessional team in managing this challenging neurological condition is highlighted.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 9 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left