Absence Seizure Management

Introduction to Absence Seizures

• The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) clinical policy on seizure management does not include diazepam or other benzodiazepines as treatment options for absence seizures 1, 2

Appropriate Medications for Absence Seizures

• Valproic acid (valproate) is effective for absence seizures and has been shown to be beneficial in multiple seizure types 1

Clinical Guidelines for Absence Seizures

• Clinical guidelines from the American College of Emergency Physicians focus on benzodiazepines (including diazepam) for convulsive status epilepticus but do not recommend them for absence seizures 1, 3
• The American College of Emergency Physicians recommends initiating treatment with specific anti-absence medications, such as ethosuximide or valproic acid, rather than benzodiazepines, and monitoring for treatment response and adjusting therapy accordingly 1