Introduction:
A seizure is caused by a brief period of abnormal electrical activity (electrical impulses) in a person's brain. It is a transient clinical event due to abnormal paroxysmal, excessive discharges from a group of central nervous system neurons. The seizure may present in motor, sensory, autonomic, or psychic manifestations. An absence seizure has a generalized onset, meaning it simultaneously starts on both sides of the brain. In this type, there is a sudden loss of awareness characterized by blank staring that lasts for a few seconds.
What Are the Types of Absence Seizures?
There are two types of absence seizures. They are:
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Typical absence seizures.
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Atypical absence seizures.
In typical absence seizures, the onset is a blank stare, often mistaken for daydreaming. It lasts nearly 10 seconds and is followed by the return of consciousness. In atypical absence seizures, the onset is also a blank stare. Still, it lasts about 20 seconds and involves other involuntary actions such as lip-smacking, eyelid fluttering, jaw movements, and finger rubbing.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Absence Seizures?
The signs and symptoms of absence seizures are:
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It occurs mostly in children and ceases after 20 years of age.
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This is characterized by brief lapses of sensorium with a loss of postural control or a blank stare with a loss of awareness.
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They may stop talking mid-sentence or whatever they are currently doing abruptly.
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These are too gentle to be noticed or referred to as daydreaming.
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Multiple episodes may occur in a single day.
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The attacks are much briefer (seconds) and more frequent than complex partial seizures.
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After the episode, there may be confusion, but there is no post-ictal confusion.
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They do not usually cause the typical jerky movements or falls associated with a full-blown seizure.
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There may be mild motor movements like blinking eyes, chewing, and hand clonus.
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All these are associated with characteristic EEG (electroencephalogram) patterns.
What Are the Causes of Absence Seizures?
Doctors are not sure of why it occurs in some children. But, it is believed to be hereditary. In some, it seems triggered by flashing lights or rapid breathing.
What Are the Risk Factors of Absence Seizures?
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Age: This particular type of seizure is more common in children between ages four and 18 than adults.
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Sex: It is more commonly observed in girls than in boys.
- Family History: The risk increases significantly if one has a blood relative with an absence seizure.
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Specific trigger factors can precipitate seizures. They are sleep deprivation, mental stress, alcohol withdrawal, physical exhaustion, flickering lights such as television or monitor, music, loud sounds, and drug abuse, and such situations should be avoided.
What Are the Complications of Absence Seizures?
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In most children, absence seizures will go away when they are older. In some, it will continue, or they may have full-blown seizures in adulthood, in which case they will need to continue taking medications.
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Learning disabilities and difficulty in following instructions at school.
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Social withdrawal and isolation.
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It may be considered risky to drive. It is recommended to take public transport if available.
How Are Absence Seizures Diagnosed?
Once a parent, teacher, or friend suspects something is wrong, it is important to seek expert opinion without further delay. The doctor will recommend an EEG if the seizure is suspected.
How Are Absence Seizures Treated?
First, the patient should be shifted to a safe place, away from danger such as water, fire, and machine. Then, the patient should be turned to a semi-prone position to prevent aspiration. They should not be left alone until the full recovery from seizures as there may be drowsiness and confusion in the post-ictal stage, or the seizures may reoccur. Until the patient fully recovers, they should not be given to eat. When they continue to prolong for more than five minutes or reoccur without the patient regaining consciousness, hospitalization is a must. The doctor may suggest certain medications to prevent the recurrence of episodes.
Commonly prescribed drugs include:
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Ethosuximide.
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Lamotrigine.
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Valproic acid.
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Divalproex sodium.
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Clonazepam.
The dose of the drug should be increased gradually until seizures are controlled or side effects appear. When a single drug does not control seizures, a second may be added while the first drug is gradually withdrawn. In most patients, seizures are controlled with a single drug itself. But in some, a combination of two or more drugs may be needed to control the seizures.
The treatment should be continued until there are no seizures for at least two to three years. During the drug administration, the patient should be monitored for side effects. Blood count, liver function, and renal function tests are done regularly. The serum level of the drug can be measured to guide the patient with appropriate dosage and to check compliance.
What Are the Preventive Measures of Absence Seizures?
The patient should avoid working with dangerous equipment and should avoid fishing, swimming, and cycling. Also, they should avoid any activity, such as driving, where the loss of consciousness is dangerous. The patient should avoid working near a fire or at a height. All these precautions should be taken until a good control of seizures is obtained. Future episodes can be prevented from occurring by:
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Take medicines as prescribed by the doctor.
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Avoid all types of stress.
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Have a nutritious diet.
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Exercise every day.
How Is It to Live with Absence Seizure?
Depending on the age and severity of the condition, the affected people may need help with the following.
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Behavioral and emotional problems.
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Employment.
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Discrimination and stigma.
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Education.
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Driving.
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To get online resources.
When to Consult a Doctor?
Need to consult a doctor if:
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The child is suspected of having a seizure.
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If the child is already affected by epilepsy and shows new symptoms of seizure.
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If the seizure continues despite taking anti-seizure medications.
Conclusion:
Epilepsy is a Brainiac sickness that prevents people from having recurring seizures. Seizures occur if the brain's neurons or clusters of nerve cells send out faulty signals. People may experience abnormal senses and feelings or may behave differently. They also have forceful muscle spasms or a loss of consciousness. In general, more neurobehavioral disorders could be observed or developed if there is an increased frequency of severe seizures. Neurobehavioral disorders and other abnormal symptoms should be considered during the evaluation of epileptic patients, both at the first consultation and during follow-ups.
