Snapshot A 6-year-old boy is brought to the pediatrician by his parent’s due to episodes of “staring into space.” This occurs several times a day and lasts only a few seconds. During these episodes, the boy is unresponsive to the parents and does not fall down or shake. After the episode, the boy returns to his normal activity and is not confused. The parent’s deny any history of head trauma, medications, or infection. Neurological exam is normal. An EEG is performed, which shows 3-Hz spike and wave form. Introduction Generalized epilepsy syndrome login to view 6 more bullets Precipitating factors include login to view 2 more bullets Epidemiology Most commonly seen in children ages 4 - 12 Family history is a likely risk factor Presentation Symptoms login to view 6 more bullets Evaluation EEG login to view 1 more bullet Differential Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy login to view 1 more bullet Lennox-Gastaut syndrome Attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) Day dreaming or staring spells Treatment Medications login to view 7 more bullets Complications May have impairments in neuropsychological or cognitive development login to view 1 more bullet Prognosis May be self-limiting login to view 1 more bullet