Absence seizures, also called petit mal seizures, last less than 15 seconds and are the result of abnormal electrical activity occurring in the brain. These types of seizures are common in children, and start between ages 4 and 12, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. Absence seizures may occur with another seizure disorder, such as atonic seizures, grand mal seizures or myoclonus. Medication can decrease the number of seizures the patient has, though the patient may need to try a few to find the most effective treatment.
Frequency
When a patient has an absence seizure, it occurs with no warning signs. After the seizure ends, the patient has no lasting effects, like confusion, which a patient with another seizure disorder has. The patient can have multiple absence seizures, such as 50 to 100 a day, according to the Epilepsy Foundation.
Symptoms
During an absence seizure, the patient has a staring episode, followed by a full recovery of consciousness when the seizure ends, according to the National Institutes of Health. The patient suddenly stops moving or talking at the onset of the seizure. In longer episodes, the patient may smack her lips, fumble with her hands or chew with no food in her mouth. When the seizure ends, the patient does not have a memory of what happened.
Atypical Absence Seizures
The NIH states that a patient may have atypical absence seizures, which are longer and cause the patient to have more muscle activity than during a regular absence seizure. For example, an episode can last up to a few minutes. Atypical absence seizures also have some different symptoms, such as a slower recovery, and some confusion or bizarre behavior after the seizure ends. Atypical absence seizures may change into grand mal seizures or atonic seizures.
EEG Results
To be diagnosed with a seizure disorder, the patient has an electroencephalogram done, which documents electrical activity in the brain. When the patient has a seizure, the doctor can look for abnormalities on the EEG. The Epilepsy Foundation notes that with an absence seizure, the EEG shows spike and slow wave discharges at 3 Hz.
Treatment
Medications are prescribed for absence seizures, with ethosuximide being the first choice, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other options include valproic acid and lamotrigine. Women trying to get pregnant or those who are should not take valproic acid, as it can cause problems for the unborn baby.
