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Absence Seizure Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, refer to instances characterized by sudden, short-lived lapses in consciousness. Find information on absence seizure symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment methods here.
authorImageNivedita Dar29 Mar, 2024
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Absence Seizure Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

Absence Seizures are a sudden lapse of awareness in individuals that starts without indication and continues for a few seconds. These issues are observed in children and are often mistaken for daydreaming or lacking attentiveness. Although it doesn’t cause any significant physical harm, proper diagnosis and treatment are required to prevent it from getting worse. As a medical student, you must understand this mental health issue in detail. In this article, we will discuss symptoms of Absence Seizures causes, diagnosis, and treatment methods to enhance your awareness of this topic.

What are Absence Seizures?

A person experiencing an Absence Seizure typically loses a sense of awareness about their surroundings and spends a few seconds staring off into space. After that, the victim promptly becomes alert and behaves as usual. Most Absence Seizures happen suddenly and without notice. This emphasizes the importance of taking safety measures to protect the person when an absence of a seizure occurs.

Absence Seizures Causes

The exact Absence Seizures' Causes are still unknown. However, scientists have gathered evidence suggesting a genetic link to these seizures . Typically, seizures stem from electrical signals originating in the brain's neurons or nerve cells. These recurring signals disrupt the brain's standard electrical patterns during seizure episodes, leading to changes in conscious behaviors.

Absence Seizure Symptoms

A t ypical sign of an Absence Seizure is a blank gaze for a brief period , which can be misinterpreted as a momentary loss of attention. The duration of this symptom may last for 10 to 30 seconds. After the seizure, usually, no abnormalities, headaches, or fatigue are experienced. The Absence Seizures symptoms includes the following:
  • Abrupt stoppage of motion or activity without falling.
  • Lip-smacking.
  • Fluttering of the eyes.
  • Chewing motions.
  • Rubbing of fingers.
  • Little hand movements.
Interestingly, no memories of the event exist after this incident. However, if the seizure lasts longer and is more frequent, the individual might be conscious of that. Such issues lead to problems concentrating on schoolwork or daily activities.

Absence Seizures Diagnosis

The Absence Seizures diagnosis is based on a detailed analysis of the symptoms, including what happened before, during, and after the incident. The psychiatrist or psychologist may recommend a hyperventilating test or review the results of electrocardiograms (ECGs) or brain scans.
  • Hyperventilating test: This test triggers the seizure symptoms and helps diagnose the issue. During the test, the child is asked to blow frequently for more than two minutes.
  • Electrocardiography: The brain's electrical activity is tracked during this exam using sensors, which sense the brain wave patterns to identify any signs of Absence Seizures.
  • Brain scan: T echniques like MRI can assist in finding any issues in the brain , like tumors or blood clots.
For diagnosis purposes, healthcare experts have analyzed the feelings experienced by a person who has suffered Absence Seizures and surmised a pattern that includes the following experiences during Absence Seizures:.
  • The feeling of seeing dark halos and afterimages surrounding items
  • The feeling of thoughts going blank while you're still conscious
  • Sensing what is going on but unable to respond
  • Eco of voices and blurred vision
  • Passing through a period of tranquility

Absence Seizures Treatment

The A bsence Seizure treatment may involve small doses of medication as the physician prescribes. The doctor may then raise the dosage as necessary. If the medications produce effective results, the children may be able to gradually avoid taking medications under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Medications recommended for Absence Seizures consist of:
  • Zarontin (Ethosuximide): When treating Absence Seizures, most medical professionals begin with this medication. Possible side effects are nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, sleep problems, and hyperactivity.
  • Valproic acid: Children with Absence Seizures are often treated with valproic acid . Pregnant women who require medication should talk to their healthcare professionals, as there are chances of birth abnormalities in babies.
  • Lamotrigine: This medication has fewer side effects but appears less effective than ethosuximide or valproic acid, according to several trials.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

If your child is experiencing an Absence Seizure, you need to be alert and cautious about taking some steps to prevent it from affecting your child’s normal activities and studies. The measures you can take include the following:
  • Make sure your kid takes their medication as directed. Don't change the dosage without first consulting your child's physician.
  • Talk to your child's healthcare professional about any changes you think should be made to your child's medication.
  • Make sure your kids receive enough sleep at night.
  • You can use a medical alert bracelet so that, in the event of frequent seizures, emergency professionals can treat your child appropriately.
  • Consult with your child's physician about any limitations on playing or recreational activities. Keep a close eye to assist whenever necessary.
The mental health issues of Absence Seizures might be challenging to notice in children as they occur suddenly, last for a few seconds, and the child starts behaving normally after the incident. The primary indications of Absence Seizures are occasional signs of lack of attention and awareness about the surroundings, touch, and sound. Proper diagnosis of symptoms and suitable treatment can produce effective results. To gain a better understanding of the  topics covered in the NEET PG Syllabus, Download PW MedED app and get access to a wide range of study materials that help you clear the the NEET PG exam with good scores.

Absence Seizure FAQs

What age group of children is mainly affected by Absence Seizures?

Absence Seizures frequently affect children in the early school years, specifically between the ages of 5 and 7, and are generally observed in children between the ages of 4 and 12.

Is Absence Seizure observed more in girls or boys?

As per a 2019 study, Absence Seizures are observed more in girls than in boys.

How frequently can an Absence Seizure happen to a child?

The Absence Seizures may be frequent, ranging from 10 to 30 times daily.

Do Absence Seizures get minimized in adulthood?

Up to 75% of children will likely overcome Absence Seizures by reaching adulthood if they mainly suffer from this problem and not from other types of seizures.

What activities should a person with Absence Seizures avoid?

It is not recommended for the person to drive, swim, or be involved in risky activities like rock climbing, etc. until the Absence Seizures are under control.
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