Absence Seizures: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, are brief episodes of altered consciousness that can affect people of all ages. During these seizures, individuals may appear to be staring blankly into space for a few seconds without responding to external stimuli. The exact cause of absence seizures is not fully understood, but they are believed to involve abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Factors like genetics, brain injuries, or underlying neurological conditions may contribute to the development of these seizures. Understanding the triggers and underlying factors can help in managing and possibly reducing the frequency of these episodes. If you or a loved one experience episodes of unresponsiveness or staring spells, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and guidance.

Symptoms of Absence Seizures

During these seizures, individuals may also exhibit subtle movements such as blinking or lip-smacking. They typically last for a few seconds to half a minute and are often mistaken for daydreaming. Following the seizure, the person usually resumes normal activities without any memory of the episode. It is essential to recognize these symptoms and seek medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and management.

Brief episodes of staring blankly into space
Slight body movements like lip-smacking or blinking
Abrupt stop in ongoing activities without memory loss
Temporary confusion or disorientation post-seizure
Typically lasting for 10-20 seconds and occurring multiple times a day

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

Causes of Absence Seizures

These seizures are more common in children and can be triggered by various factors, such as genetic predisposition, brain injuries, or underlying neurological conditions. In some cases, specific triggers like flashing lights or hyperventilation may provoke an episode. Additionally, imbalances in neurotransmitters or changes in brain structure may contribute to the development of absence seizures. Understanding the complex interplay of these factors is crucial in diagnosing and managing this type of seizure disorder.

Genetic factors play a significant role in the development of absence seizures, with certain genes predisposing individuals to this type of epilepsy.
Brain abnormalities, such as structural or functional irregularities in specific regions, can trigger the onset of absence seizures.
Metabolic imbalances, like disruptions in electrolyte levels or glucose metabolism, may contribute to the occurrence of absence seizures.
Infections that affect the central nervous system, such as meningitis or encephalitis, can lead to the manifestation of absence seizures.
Traumatic brain injuries resulting from accidents or other events can sometimes be a cause of absence seizures in both children and adults.

Types Of Absence Seizures

There are two main types of absence seizures: typical and atypical. Typical absence seizures involve a sudden onset of staring, often accompanied by eyelid fluttering or slight twitching of the lips. On the other hand, atypical absence seizures may involve more complex behaviors such as eye deviation, hand movements, or even brief periods of confusion. Both types can be challenging to diagnose due to their subtle nature and may go unnoticed without proper evaluation.

Typical absence seizures are the most common type and are characterized by sudden onset brief episodes of staring and unresponsiveness.
Atypical absence seizures are less common and may involve additional symptoms such as eye blinking, slight movements, or changes in muscle tone.
Absence seizures with eyelid myoclonia are a specific type where rapid eye blinking or fluttering accompanies the absence episode.
Myoclonic absence seizures are characterized by sudden jerking movements that occur alongside the typical absence seizure symptoms.
Absence seizures can also be classified as simple or complex based on the presence of additional symptoms or behaviors during the episode.

Risk Factors

While the exact cause is not fully understood, several risk factors have been identified. Genetics play a significant role, with a family history of epilepsy increasing the likelihood of experiencing absence seizures. Other factors include age, as these seizures often develop during childhood, and certain neurological conditions such as brain malformations or head injuries.

Additionally, individuals with developmental disorders like autism may have a higher risk of experiencing absence seizures. Regular monitoring and appropriate management are crucial in controlling these episodes.

Genetics play a significant role in increasing the risk of developing absence seizures.
Children and adolescents are more prone to experiencing absence seizures compared to adults.
Certain medications or drug interactions may trigger or worsen the frequency of absence seizures.
Having a family history of epilepsy or other seizure disorders can elevate the likelihood of absence seizures.
Brain abnormalities or structural changes in the brain can be a risk factor for developing absence seizures.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

Diagnosis of Absence Seizures

The process may include a detailed medical history review, physical examination, and neurological assessment. Diagnostic tests such as electroencephalogram (EEG) are often crucial in confirming the presence of abnormal brain activity characteristic of absence seizures. Additionally, imaging studies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be conducted to rule out other underlying conditions.

Observing and documenting the seizure episodes, along with input from caregivers or witnesses, can provide valuable insights for accurate diagnosis. Collaborating with specialists, such as neurologists, can further aid in confirming the diagnosis and developing an appropriate treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs.

Diagnosis of absence seizures typically involves a detailed medical history and physical examination.
EEG (electroencephalogram) is a key diagnostic tool to detect abnormal brain activity during a seizure.
Video-EEG monitoring combines video recording with EEG to capture and analyze seizure activity in real-time.
Blood tests may be conducted to rule out underlying metabolic or genetic causes of seizures.
Neuroimaging studies such as MRI or CT scans can help identify any structural abnormalities in the brain.
Neuropsychological testing may be performed to assess cognitive function and identify any related behavioral issues.
Genetic testing may be recommended in cases where a genetic cause of seizures is suspected.

Treatment for Absence Seizures

Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, often affect children and may require treatment to manage symptoms effectively. Treatment options typically include anti-seizure medications such as ethosuximide, valproic acid, or lamotrigine to help control and prevent seizures. In some cases, lifestyle modifications like getting adequate sleep, managing stress, and avoiding seizure triggers can also be beneficial. For individuals who do not respond well to medications, other therapies such as ketogenic diet or vagus nerve stimulation may be considered. It is crucial for individuals with absence seizures to work closely with healthcare providers to determine the most suitable treatment approach for their specific needs.

Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, typically affect children and can sometimes persist into adulthood. Treatment options for absence seizures may include anti-seizure medications such as ethosuximide, valproic acid, or lamotrigine. These medications help control the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that leads to absence seizures.

In some cases, a ketogenic diet, which is high in fats and low in carbohydrates, may be recommended as a treatment for absence seizures, especially in individuals who do not respond well to medication. Biofeedback therapy, a non-invasive technique that helps individuals learn to control their brainwaves, has also shown promise in managing absence seizures. For individuals with severe or drug-resistant absence seizures, surgical procedures such as corpus

Find Our Specialists

Book Doctor Appointment