A generalized seizure called an absence seizure, often called a petit mal seizure, most frequently strikes children but can also strike adults. It is characterized by a transient loss of consciousness that occurs suddenly and lasts for typically between a few seconds and a minute. A person experiencing an absence seizure could appear to be staring out into space and might not be aware of their surroundings. The frequency of these seizures can vary throughout the day.
Symptoms of Absence Seizure:
An absence seizure’s primary symptom is a short period of awareness, during which the sufferer can show any of the following:
- Brief unconsciousness (often lasting around 30 seconds).
- The absence of any facial emotion.
- Staring into space.
- A brief pause in continuous activities.
- Lack of reaction to internal or external stimuli.
Absence Seizure Causes:
Absence seizures may not always have a clear cause, but it is thought that they are related to aberrant electrical activity in the brain. Following are some probable triggers that could lead to the emergence of absence seizures:
- Brain Abnormalities: lesions or structural issues with the brain.
- Metabolic Disorders: Seizures may be brought on by specific metabolic disorders.
- Brain Injury: Traumatic brain injury may occasionally play a role.
- Genetics: A hereditary tendency to have absence seizures may exist.
Potential Complications:
Even while absence seizures are typically thought to be benign, they can nonetheless have an effect on the person’s life. Complications that could arise include:
- Emotional and Social Challenges: Particularly in children, recurrent seizures can cause mental and social problems.
- Learning Difficulties: If left untreated, frequent absence seizures might affect a child’s ability to learn and do well in academy.
- Injury Risk: Although the person usually stays calm throughout the seizure, there is a chance of harm if the incident takes place while engaging in a risky activity (such as swimming or crossing a roadway).
Tests for Diagnosis:
- Medical History and Physical Examination
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Neurological Examination
- Video EEG Monitoring
- Imaging Studies
- Blood Tests