Absence Seizures: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of an absence seizure?

Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, are characterized by brief, sudden lapses in awareness and activity. They are most common in children and typically last for a few seconds. The symptoms of an absence seizure include:

1. Sudden Staring: The person may suddenly stop what they are doing and stare blankly into space.
2. Lack of Awareness: The person is not aware of their surroundings and may not respond to external stimuli.
3. Subtle Movements: There may be slight movements such as eye blinking, fluttering eyelids, lip smacking, or small hand movements.
4. Abrupt Onset and End: The seizure begins and ends abruptly, often without any warning. The person resumes their previous activity without realizing a seizure occurred.
5. No Memory of the Event: The person typically has no memory of the seizure and may be unaware that anything unusual happened.
6. Brief Duration: Absence seizures usually last between 5 to 10 seconds, but can be as short as a few seconds or as long as 20 seconds.
7. Repetitive Occurrence: They can occur multiple times a day, sometimes up to hundreds of times in severe cases.

If you suspect someone is having absence seizures, it is important to seek medical evaluation and treatment. Absence seizures can impact daily activities, learning, and safety, so proper diagnosis and management are essential.

What are the causes of an absence seizure?

The exact cause of absence seizures is not fully understood, but they are believed to be related to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Some possible causes and risk factors include:

1. Genetics: There appears to be a genetic component to absence seizures, as they can run in families.
2. Brain Abnormalities: Structural abnormalities in the brain, such as malformations or lesions, can increase the risk of seizures.
3. Imbalance of Neurotransmitters: Changes in the levels of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers in the brain, may contribute to the development of seizures.
4. Hormonal Changes: Absence seizures are more common in children and often occur around the time of puberty, suggesting that hormonal changes may play a role.
5. Other Medical Conditions: Underlying medical conditions, such as stroke, brain tumor, or metabolic disorders, can increase the risk of seizures.
6. Febrile Seizures: Children who have a history of febrile seizures (seizures triggered by fever) may be at a higher risk of developing absence seizures.
7. Infections: Certain infections, such as meningitis or encephalitis, can increase the risk of seizures.
8. Drug Withdrawal: Abrupt withdrawal from certain medications or substances, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, can trigger seizures.

It’s important to note that not all individuals with these risk factors will develop absence seizures, and the exact cause can vary from person to person. If you or someone you know is experiencing absence seizures, it’s important to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

What is the treatment for an absence seizure?

The treatment for absence seizures typically involves medications and, in some cases, lifestyle modifications. The goal of treatment is to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures while minimizing side effects. Here are the primary treatment options:

1. Anti-seizure Medications: The most common treatment for absence seizures is medication. Ethosuximide, valproic acid, and lamotrigine are commonly prescribed medications. These medications help stabilize electrical activity in the brain and reduce the frequency of seizures.
2. Lifestyle Modifications: Getting enough sleep, managing stress, and avoiding triggers that may increase the risk of seizures can be helpful. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and avoiding excessive alcohol or recreational drugs can also help reduce the frequency of seizures.
3. Regular Medical Monitoring: It’s important for individuals with absence seizures to have regular check-ups with their healthcare provider to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and make any necessary adjustments to medication.
4. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): In some cases, VNS may be considered as a treatment option. VNS involves implanting a device that stimulates the vagus nerve, which can help reduce seizure activity.
5. Ketogenic Diet: For some individuals, especially children who do not respond well to medication, a ketogenic diet may be recommended. This high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet has been shown to help reduce seizure frequency in some cases.
6. Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be considered for individuals who do not respond to medication or other treatments. Surgery can involve removing the part of the brain that is causing the seizures or implanting a device to help control seizure activity.

It’s important for individuals with absence seizures to work closely with their healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their specific needs. With proper treatment and management, many people with absence seizures are able to lead normal, active lives.

What should you do if someone has an absence seizure?

If you witness someone having an absence seizure, there are several steps you can take to help ensure their safety:

1. Stay Calm: Keep calm and try to reassure the person during and after the seizure. Remember, absence seizures are usually brief and the person may not be aware of what happened.
2. Do Not Restrict Movement: Since absence seizures are brief and do not usually involve convulsions, there is no need to restrain the person. Allow the seizure to run its course.
3. Ensure Safety: If the person is in a potentially dangerous situation (e.g., near a busy street or hot stove), gently guide them to a safe place.
4. Time the Seizure: Note the time the seizure started and ended. Absence seizures are usually brief, lasting only a few seconds.
5. Do Not Shake or Startle: Avoid trying to shake or startle the person out of the seizure. This can be disorienting and potentially dangerous.
6. Stay Nearby: Stay with the person until they are fully alert and aware of their surroundings. Offer assistance if needed.
7. Seek Medical Attention: If the person has never had a seizure before, if the seizure lasts longer than usual, or if there are any signs of injury or distress, seek medical attention immediately.
8. Record Details: After the seizure, record any details you can remember, such as the time of day, the person’s behavior before and after the seizure, and any potential triggers.

It’s important to remember that absence seizures are usually not life-threatening, but it’s still important to ensure the person’s safety and well-being during and after the seizure. If the person has a known history of absence seizures, they should have a management plan in place with their healthcare provider.