Absence Epilepsy

Absence epilepsy is a generalized epilepsy syndrome most common in childhood, characterized by brief, sudden lapses of consciousness without convulsive activity. Pathophysiology involves aberrant thalamocortical oscillations and GABAergic dysregulation, leading to transient disruption of awareness. EEG shows characteristic 3 Hz spike-and-wave discharges, which are diagnostic. Clinically, patients may present with subtle automatisms, academic difficulties, and frequent episodes throughout the day. Management relies on first-line antiepileptic drugs such as ethosuximide or valproate, and prognosis is favorable, with many children achieving remission by adolescence.