Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) is a generalized epilepsy syndrome that usually starts in childhood (4-10 years of age). Typical absence seizures are characterized by short periods of impaired consciousness (about 10 seconds) without loss of body tone. They can be accompanied by simple automatisms such as lip smacking. Episodes may occur multiple times per day. They may be subtle and even go unnoticed. Seizures may be provoked by hyperventilation. The disorder often remits by early puberty; persistent cognitive or behavioral problems may be present in some children.

Absence seizures may be part of other generalized epilepsy syndromes such as Lennox-Gastaut or juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.