Description

Absence seizures involve brief, sudden loss of consciousness. They are more common in children than in adults.

A person who has a crisis of absence can stare into space for a couple of seconds. Then, the person usually returns quickly to be alert. This type of attack usually does not cause physical injury. But the injury can happen if someone is driving a car or riding a bike when the attack occurs.

Absence seizures usually can be managed with anti-seizure medications. Some children have them also develop other seizures, such as generalized tonic-clonic seizures or myoclonic seizures. Many children outgrow absence seizures in his teenage years.

Symptoms

A simple absence seizure causes a lost look that can be confused with a short attention span. The seizure lasts about 10 seconds, although it can take up to 30 seconds. There is no confusion, headache, or drowsiness after the seizure.

The symptoms of absence seizures include:

  • A sudden stop in activity without falling.
  • Smacking the lip.
  • The eyelids is accelerated.
  • The chewing motions.
  • Finger rubbing.
  • Small movements of both hands.

After this, there is no memory of the incident. But if the seizure is over, the person may be conscious of that time was wasted. Some people have many episodes daily. When this happens, it can interfere with school or daily activities.

A child may have absence seizures for some time before an adult notices them. This is because the seizures are so brief. A decrease in learning ability may be the first sign of the disease, seizure (convulsions). Teachers may say that the child has trouble paying attention or that a child is often daydream.

When to see a doctor

In contact with your child's pediatrician:

  • If you are concerned that your child may have seizures.
  • If your child has epilepsy, but develops symptoms of a new type of attack.
  • If the seizures continue to occur despite taking anticonvulsant medication.

Call 911 or emergency services in your area:

  • If you notice prolonged automatic behaviors duration of minutes to hours. This may include activities such as eating or move without a conscience. It could also include prolonged confusion. These are the possible symptoms of a condition called status epilepticus.
  • After any seizure lasts more than five minutes.

Causes

Absence seizures often have a genetic cause.

In general, seizures are occurring as a result of a burst of electrical impulses to the nerve cells in the brain, called neurons. Neurons normally send electrical and chemical signals across the synapses that connect them.

In people who have seizures, the brain's normal electrical activity is altered. During an absence seizure, these electrical signals are repeated once and again in a three-second pattern.

People who have seizures may have also altered the levels of chemical messengers that help nerve cells communicate with each other. These chemical messengers are called neurotransmitters.

Risk factors

Some factors are common to children with absence seizures, including:

  • Age. Absence seizures are most common in children between the ages of 4 and 14.
  • Sex. Absence seizures are more common in women.
  • The members of the family who have seizures. Almost a quarter of children with absence seizures have a close relative who suffers from seizures.

Complications

While the majority of children outgrow absence seizures, some of them:

  • You must take anti-seizure medications for a lifetime.
  • Finally have the full seizures, such as generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Other complications may include:

  • Problems with the learning.
  • Problems with the behavior.
  • The Social isolation.
  • The injury during the seizure.

Diagnosis

Your child's healthcare provider will ask for a detailed description of the attacks and a physical examination. Tests may include:

  • Electroencephalography (EEG).This painless procedure, which measures the waves of electrical activity in the brain. The brain waves are transmitted to theEEGmachine through small metal plates called electrodes that are attached to the scalp with paste or elastic at the top. Rapid breathing, known as hyperventilation, during anEEGstudy can trigger an absence seizure. During a seizure, the pattern in theEEGdiffers from the typical pattern.
  • The brain scans. The brain imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging can help rule out other conditions, such as stroke or a brain tumor. Brain scans produce detailed images of the brain. Because your child needs to maintain for long periods of time, talk with your health care professional about the possible use of sedation.

Electroencephalography (EEG). This painless procedure, which measures the waves of electrical activity in the brain. The brain waves are transmitted to the EEG machine through small metal plates called electrodes that are attached to the scalp with paste or elastic at the top.

Rapid breathing, known as hyperventilation, during an EEG study can trigger an absence seizure. During an attack, the pattern of the EEG differs from the typical pattern.

Treatment

Your child's healthcare provider may start at the lowest dose of anticonvulsant medication possible. Then the dose may be increased as needed to manage the crisis. Children may be able to reduce anti-seizure medications under the supervision of a professional of the health after they have been seizure-free for two years.

Prescribed medication for absence seizures are:

  • Ethosuximide (Zarontin). This is often the first medication prescribed for absence seizures. Most people see improvement in their seizures with this drug. Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, sleep disorders and hyperactivity.
  • Valproic acid.Valproic acid treats children have absence and generalized tonic-clonic seizures, also known as grand mal seizures. Side effects of valproic acid include nausea, attention problems, increased appetite and weight gain. Rarely, the drug can cause inflammation of the pancreas and liver failure. The women who continue to need the medication in adulthood need to talk about the potential risks of valproic acid with their health professionals. Valproic acid has been linked to an increased risk of birth defects in babies. Health professionals usually advise not to use during pregnancy or while trying to conceive.
  • Lamotrigine (Lamictal). Some studies show that this drug may be less effective than ethosuximide or valproic acid, but has fewer side effects. Side effects may include rash, and nausea.

Valproic acid. Valproic acid treats children have absence and generalized tonic-clonic seizures, also known as grand mal seizures. Side effects of valproic acid include nausea, attention problems, increased appetite and weight gain. Rarely, the drug can cause inflammation of the pancreas and liver failure.

The women who continue to need the medication in adulthood need to talk about the potential risks of valproic acid with their health professionals. Valproic acid has been linked to an increased risk of birth defects in babies. Health professionals usually advise not to use during pregnancy or while trying to conceive.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Diet therapy

A ketogenic diet may improve seizure control. This diet is high in fat and low in carbohydrates. Only used if traditional medicines fail to seizures.

This diet is not easy to maintain, but have success in the reduction of seizures in some people. Variations on a ketogenic diet might also provide a benefit. These diets include the glycemic index and modified Atkins diets. Although these diets are less effective in the management of epileptic seizures, are not as restrictive as the ketogenic diet.

Additional options

Here are other steps that may help manage seizures:

  • Have your child take the medicine prescribed. Do not adjust the dose before you talk with your child's health care professional. If you feel that the medicine your child needs to be changed, talk to your child's health care professional.
  • Anime to get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can trigger seizures. Make sure your child gets enough rest each night.
  • Have your child wear a medical alert bracelet. This will help emergency personnel know how to treat your child correctly if another attack occurs.
  • Ask your child's healthcare provider about driving or other restrictions. Someone who has regular seizures must be seizure free for a certain amount of time before being able to drive. The amount of time that is required from the last attack varies from state to state. Also, do not bathe or swim unless that someone is nearby to help if needed.

Coping and support

If you or your child is living with a seizure disorder, you may feel anxious or stressed about the future. Stress can affect your mental health, so it is important to talk with a health care professional. Find resources for help.

Home

The members of your family can provide the necessary support. Tell them what you know about your child's seizures. Let them know that they can ask questions, and be open to conversations about your concerns. Help them to understand the condition of sharing educational materials, or other resources that your health professional has given you.

In the school

Talk with your child's teachers and coaches about your child's seizure disorder. Explain how it affects their child in school. Talk with your child may need if an attack occurs in the school.

You are not alone

Remember, you don't have to do it alone. Reach out to family and friends. Ask your health care professional about local support groups, or join an online support community. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Having a strong support system is important for those living with any medical condition.

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely to start by seeing your child's health care professional. However, you will likely be referred to a doctor who specializes in disorders of the nervous system, known as a neurologist.

Here's some information to help you prepare for the appointment.

What you can do

  • Write down any symptoms you notice, including any that may seem unrelated to seizures.
  • Make a list of all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements that you or your child is taking, including the dosage.
  • Write questions to ask.

Prepare a list of questions can help you make the most of your time during the appointment. For absence seizures, some basic questions to ask include:

  • What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?
  • What tests are needed? Do these tests require special preparation?
  • Is this condition temporary or long-term?
  • What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
  • What are the side effects of treatment?
  • Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
  • Does my child can develop also the great evil that type of attack?
  • Are restrictions of the activity is necessary? Are physical activities, such as soccer, football and swimming OK?
  • Do you have brochures or other printed material that I can take? What sites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have.

What to expect from your doctor

Your child's healthcare provider is likely to ask a series of questions, such as:

  • When did the symptoms begin?
  • What is the frequency of the symptoms occurred?
  • Can you describe a typical seizure?
  • How long will the crisis last?
  • After the seizure, there is awareness of what happened?
Symptoms and treatment of Absence seizures