An absence seizure is a non-convulsive seizure in which the brain's electrical activity is affected. This type of seizure is also called the petit mal seizure, but the medical community has no longer recommended this term. Children are more likely to experience absence seizures, and they usually last a few seconds. Besides affecting consciousness, they can also interfere with learning, driving, and other functions.
It is not fully understood how absence seizures occur, but it is thought to involve abnormal electrical impulses in the brain that disrupt nerve cell function. Some factors that may increase the risk of absence seizures include:
An absence seizure may be more likely to occur if you have a family history of epilepsy or other neurological disorders.
Absence seizures can be triggered or worsened by brain injury or infection, including trauma, stroke, tumor, infection, or lack of oxygen.
Some drugs or chemicals that affect the brain's neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) may cause or increase absence seizures, including antidepressants, antihistamines, stimulants, alcohol, and illicit drugs.
Absence seizures can go unnoticed by others because they do not cause obvious signs such as jerking movements or physical convulsions. However, they do affect your awareness and attention during the episode. Some common symptoms of absence seizures include:
Staring into space for a few seconds
A sudden stop in the motion without falling
Lip smacking
Eyelid fluttering
Chewing movements
Cognitive problems such as difficulty in paying attention
Rhythmic muscle contractions
Stopping speech midway
If you experience an absence seizure during a physical task or while interacting with someone else, it may seem like you are not paying attention to them. You may appear bored or daydreaming.
An absence seizure can be diagnosed by a neurologist (a physician who specializes in treating nervous system diseases) based on your medical history. In order to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possible causes, the neurologist may also order some tests. These tests may include:
Electroencephalogram (EEG): This is a test that measures the electrical activity in your brain using small metal discs called electrodes attached to your scalp.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This is a test that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your brain structure and function.
Blood tests: These are tests that check for any abnormalities in your blood cells or chemicals that may indicate an underlying condition.
Anticonvulsant drugs can help prevent or reduce absence seizures by stabilizing your brain's electrical activity. They are the most common treatment for absence seizures. For absence seizures, anticonvulsant drugs include valproic acid, lamotrigine, ethosuximide, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and levetiracetam. According to your age, weight, medical history, and response to treatment, your doctor will prescribe the right medication.
In addition to medication, some lifestyle changes can help you cope with absence seizures better. These include:
It is possible for absence seizures to be triggered or worsened by stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, caffeine, alcohol, and certain foods, such as artificial sweeteners. As much as possible, avoid these triggers. Stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, caffeine, alcohol, and certain foods, such as artificial sweeteners, may trigger or worsen absence seizures.
You can maintain normal functioning during an episode by following a regular routine for sleeping, eating, exercising, studying, working, and relaxing.
It can help to talk to your family members, friends, teachers, coaches, counselors, or join a support group for people with epilepsy or absence seizures.
Using a medical alert bracelet, this device contains information about your condition and emergency contacts and can help others recognize and assist you in case of a seizure.
If you follow your doctor's advice and take your medication as prescribed, you can reduce your risk of having absence seizures. You can also keep a seizure diary or use a seizure app to track your seizures. This will allow you and your doctor to adjust your treatment plan and identify any patterns or triggers.
Despite the fact that absence seizures are not life-threatening, they can negatively impact your quality of life and performance. You can better manage your condition and live a fulfilling life by understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of absence seizures.
