Absence Seizures: A Common Form of Epilepsy in Children

What are Absence Seizures?

Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures or childhood absence epilepsy, are a form of epilepsy characterized by brief seizures that cause a lapse in awareness. These seizures typically start suddenly without warning and last a few seconds or minutes. During an absence seizure, the person may appear to stare into space or make repetitive movements such as blinking or chewing. They may also lose track of what they are saying or doing.

Types of Absence Seizures

There are two main types of absence seizures: typical and atypical. Typical absence seizures usually occur in the context of idiopathic generalized epilepsy, which is a type of epilepsy that is not caused by a known underlying brain abnormality. Atypical absence seizures, on the other hand, may be caused by a variety of factors, including structural brain abnormalities, metabolic disorders, and genetic syndromes.

Treatment for Absence Seizures

The treatment for absence seizures typically involves medication. Medications such as valproic acid, ethosuximide, and lamotrigine are commonly used to control absence seizures. Surgery may be an option for people who do not respond to medication.