Epilepsy
ICD-10 G40 · ICD-11 8A6Z

Absence Seizures in Children Younger Than 16 Years

Clinical Scenario

This protocol addresses epilepsy presenting with absence seizures in children younger than 16 years. Onset and offset of altered awareness occurs abruptly; oral and manual automatisms are common, while myoclonus of the limbs is rare.

Treatment Approach

When seizures prove medically refractory, the protocol outlines a structured approach that may involve dietary intervention, surgical, or neurostimulation strategies — including options for those who are not surgical candidates. Selection criteria, sequencing, and the full algorithm are contained in the complete regimen.

Specific options, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step guidance are available in the full protocol below.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

  1. Onset and offset of altered awareness occurs abruptly, myoclonus of limbs is rare, and oral and manual automatisms are common. Children (younger than 16 years).
  2. For patients with seizures that are not controlled with these agents, alternative treatments include surgical resection of the seizure focus, ketogenic diets, vagus nerve stimulators, and implantable brain neurostimulators.
  3. Surgical resection of the seizure focus in appropriately selected patients often results in decreased frequency or elimination of seizures with improvement in quality of life.
  4. The ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and low-protein diet, induces ketone body formation.
  5. Vagus nerve stimulation may increase seizure-free time in patients with medically refractory epilepsy who are not candidates for surgery or in whom surgery has been ineffective.
  6. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in persons older than 12 years.
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