Absence Seizures in Children

 Absences are short duration seizures that typically last for few seconds. Absence seizures are usually seen in children. At times, they are confused with daydreaming or lack of attention.

 

An unusual abnormal electrical activity in the brain is called as seizure.

Changes in behaviour,body movements, or emotions might result from a seizure, depending on where in the brain it occurs.

  

This is one form of generalised seizure with sudden lapses of consciousness for few seconds usually occurs multiple times in a day

Absence seizures can cause the following symptoms: "frequent blank stares," with brief period of

loss of consciousness.

lack of attention

Total cessation of movement or speech during the seizure.

Occasional nodding of the head, fluttering of the eyelids, or other body movements.

 

The average duration of absence seizures is few seconds to 30 seconds. Most kids return back to their pre-seizure activities as if nothing had happened after the seizure. However, they won't remember what happened or whether someone spoke to them while they were having the seizure. On rare occasions, children may experience headaches, tiredness, confusion, or other symptoms. This stage may occur if a child experiences numerous absence seizures in a single day or if they occur too frequently or unusually prolonged as atypical in nature

Although a child may not necessarily have a family member with epilepsy or seizures, absence seizures are believed to be polygenic inheritance.Gene mutations can occasionally cause seizures.

Absence seizures can occur in any one, however they are more common in: Children between the ages of 4 and 10 years

Children who have a family member with epilepsy are at risk

 

Abnormal interaction between thalamus and brain cortex

 

Rapid, deep breathing (hyperventilation)

  

Sleep deprivation some times flashing or flickering lights

  

The doctor will likely recommend that you consult a pediatric neurologist (a physician who handles issues with the brain, spine, and nervous system) if your child has a seizure. In addition to doing an examination and performing an EEG to evaluate brain wave activity, the neurologist will enquire about what happened during the seizure.

 

Anti-seizure medications are prescribed to treat absence seizures. Untreated seizures can worsen over time and have an impact on a child's behaviour, learning, or development. By taking the medication, the majority of children can achieve total control over their seizures.

In their teens, about 60% of children outgrow absence seizures, particularly if medication has effectively managed their seizures. Seizures may persist into adulthood in those who do not outgrow them, but medication can help manage them.

  

Your child may experience the following, depending on the kind of absence seizure they have and how frequently they occur:

Lack of attention

Inability to follow instructions.

Learning difficulties at school.

 
Your doctor will help you in developing a plan for your child and discuss with you about: what medications your child should take if any "triggers" (such as fever, sleep deprivation, or other medications) can increase the likelihood of a seizure; any safety measures your child should take when bathing or swimming; whether your child should wear a medical ID bracelet; and whether it's okay for your adolescent to drive.
 
If your child suffers another seizure, note the following: when it occurred, how long it lasted, what transpired prior to the seizure, and what transpired during and following the seizure.
 
The doctor will use this information to determine the most effective course of action for your child's seizures.
 

 
Ankura Hospital is a trusted destination for neurological care in children. Our expert pediatric neurologists treat children with absence seizures with compassionate and specialized care. We provide accurate diagnosis using advanced tests like Video EEG, offer child-friendly treatment plans, and focus on continuous monitoring of your child’s learning, safety, and overall development. Our goal is to help children live healthy, confident, and active lives.