G40.A01 Absence epileptic syndrome, not intractable, with status epilepticus

ICD-10-CM G40.A01: Absence epileptic syndrome, not intractable, with status epilepticus

ICD-10-CM code G40.A01 represents absence epileptic syndrome that is not intractable with status epilepticus. Clinical literature establishes absence status epilepticus as a prolonged state of impaired consciousness with generalized electroencephalographic abnormalities. Coding resources place this billable diagnosis within the episodic and paroxysmal disorders block, distinguishing it from similar conditions without status epilepticus or with intractable epilepsy. 2 4 5

Plain-language overview

Absence status epilepticus involves a prolonged state of impaired consciousness or altered sensorium accompanied by generalized electroencephalographic abnormalities. Because its manifestations are subtle and variable, this condition may be underrecognized, particularly in pediatric patients. 2

What this code represents

The diagnosis G40.A01 denotes absence epileptic syndrome, not intractable, with status epilepticus. It is distinct from code G40.A09, which represents absence epileptic syndrome that is not intractable without status epilepticus. 4

Coding details

Code G40.A01 falls under the G40.A0 subcategory for absence epileptic syndrome that is not intractable. It is further differentiated from code G40.A11, which designates absence epileptic syndrome that is intractable with status epilepticus. 6

The G40.A01 diagnosis is categorized within the G40-G47 block for episodic and paroxysmal disorders. A phecode mapping resource lists this specific absence epileptic syndrome alongside variations for intractable status and those without status epilepticus. 3 5

Documentation considerations

Clinical reference material indicates that documenting previous episodes and prior treatment response clarifies the etiology of G40.A01. Explicit response checkpoints and escalation thresholds at each follow-up improve continuity across care teams handling this diagnosis. 5

Clinical context

Clinical guidelines classify status epilepticus as a critical care emergency where the goal of therapy is rapid termination of clinical and electrical seizure activity. Timely treatment of status epilepticus reduces associated mortality and morbidity. 1

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus is characterized by an alteration in cognition, memory, arousal, affect, motor learning, or motor behavior lasting at least 10 to 30 minutes without tonic or clonic activity. Absence status epilepticus is most frequently diagnosed in patients with known idiopathic generalized epilepsy. 2

What the sources add

Clinical literature describes absence status epilepticus as a prolonged altered sensorium, while coding manuals strictly define G40.A01 by epilepsy intractability and the presence of status epilepticus. Together, these sources provide both the clinical presentation and the administrative criteria for the condition. 2 4

A clinical reference guide emphasizes outpatient safety planning, fall risk, and caregiver availability for G40.A01. In contrast, an evidence-based guideline focuses on the acute pharmacologic treatment and rapid termination of seizure activity for convulsive status epilepticus. 1 5

Sources

1. Evidence-Based Guideline: Treatment of Convulsive Status Epilepticus in Children and Adults: Report of the Guideline Committee of the American Epilepsy Society — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
2. Pediatric Absence Status Epilepticus: Prolonged Altered Mental Status in an 8-Year-Old Boy — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
3. Phecode 345.1 · ExPRSweb — csg.sph.umich.edu; accessed 2026-07-25.
4. G40 Epilepsy and recurrent seizures — naec-epilepsy.org; accessed 2026-07-25.
5. Absence Epileptic Syndrome, Not Intractable, With Status Epilepticus | ICD-10-CM G40.A01 Clinical Guide — sprypt.com; accessed 2026-07-25.
6. ICD-10-CM 2024 | G40 - Epilepsy and recurrent seizures — unboundmedicine.com; accessed 2026-07-25.