Absence seizure

Definition

An absence seizure, also known as a petit mal seizure, is a brief episode of impaired consciousness that typically lasts for a few seconds. During these seizures, individuals may appear to be staring blankly into space and may not respond to external stimuli, which can make them difficult to recognize. These seizures often occur in children and can happen multiple times a day, potentially impacting learning and daily activities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Absence seizures are more common in children, especially between the ages of 4 and 14 years, and may sometimes be outgrown.
2. During an absence seizure, individuals typically have no awareness of their surroundings and may resume normal activity immediately afterward without confusion.
3. These seizures can be triggered by hyperventilation or flashing lights in some cases.
4. Diagnosis often involves an EEG (electroencephalogram), which can show characteristic spike-and-wave patterns during the seizures.
5. Treatment usually includes antiepileptic medications that help control the frequency of absence seizures.

Review Questions

• How do absence seizures differ from other types of seizures in terms of symptoms and duration?
  • Absence seizures are characterized by brief episodes of impaired consciousness lasting only a few seconds, during which the person may appear to be staring blankly and unresponsive. In contrast, other types of seizures, such as tonic-clonic seizures, involve significant muscle activity and longer durations. While absence seizures often go unnoticed, they can disrupt learning and everyday tasks due to their frequency.
• Discuss the potential impact of absence seizures on a child's academic performance and daily life.
  • Absence seizures can significantly affect a child's academic performance and daily life due to their brief yet frequent nature. A child may lose valuable moments of instruction in school when these seizures occur, leading to gaps in learning and potential struggles with concentration. Furthermore, if left untreated, the frequent interruptions caused by these seizures can lead to frustration or social withdrawal, affecting relationships with peers.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of various treatment options for managing absence seizures in pediatric patients.
  • The effectiveness of treatment options for managing absence seizures in pediatric patients varies depending on individual responses to medication. Antiepileptic drugs such as ethosuximide and lamotrigine are commonly prescribed and have shown success in reducing seizure frequency. However, regular monitoring is essential to assess effectiveness and adjust dosages as needed. Additionally, it's crucial to consider potential side effects and the overall impact on a child's quality of life while developing a comprehensive management plan.

Related terms

Generalized seizures: Seizures that affect both sides of the brain from the onset, including absence seizures, which are a specific type of generalized seizure.

Epilepsy: A neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, including various types such as absence seizures.

Tonic-clonic seizure: A type of generalized seizure that involves muscle stiffening (tonic phase) and rhythmic jerking movements (clonic phase), contrasting with the brief nature of absence seizures.