What do absence seizures look like in kids?

What do absence seizures look like in kids?

If your child experiences an absence seizure: They may look like they are staring off into space or have a blank stare. Your child has temporarily lost awareness of what’s happening around them. They may suddenly stop all activity — even in the middle of an activity — and will not respond during the seizure.

What is a typical absence seizure?

Typical absence seizures begin abruptly, last 10 to 30 seconds, and resolve themselves without complication. The person simply stops in their tracks (and/or mid-sentence), and enters a staring, trance-like state during which they are unresponsive and unaware of their surroundings.

What an absence seizure looks like?

Typical Absence Seizures The person suddenly stops all activity. It may look like he or she is staring off into space or just has a blank look. The eyes may turn upwards and eyelids flutter. The seizures usually last less than 10 seconds.

Are absence seizures serious?

Absence seizures are a type of epilepsy. They aren’t normally harmful, and most children grow out of them by puberty. But, you should talk to your child’s pediatrician because, untreated, they can affect your child’s life and learning.”

Are absence seizures curable?

Your doctor likely will start at the lowest dose of anti-seizure medication possible and increase the dosage as needed to control the seizures. Children may be able to taper off anti-seizure medications, under a doctor’s supervision, after they’ve been seizure-free for two years.

How long do absence seizures last?

Most absence seizures are less than 15 seconds long. It’s rare for an absence seizure to last longer than 15 seconds. They can happen suddenly without any warning signs.

Can you outgrow absence seizures?

About 65% of children with childhood absence epilepsy do outgrow their seizures and are able to stop taking medication. The chance that the seizures will be outgrown is lower in those who have: learning problems. a history of absence status epilepticus.

What should you do after an absence seizure?

Absence seizures. This kind of seizure will only last a few seconds, and the person experiencing it will typically not realize that they even had it. Absence seizures do not require any intervention. Just stay calm, and once the seizure is over, treat the person as you normally would.

Are absence seizures a form of epilepsy?

Absence seizures are a type of epilepsy, a condition that causes seizures. Seizures are caused by abnormal brain activity. These mixed messages confuse your brain and cause a seizure.

Will EEG show absence seizures?

An EEG is a test most often used to diagnose absence seizures. This test records the brain’s electrical activity and spots any abnormalities that could indicate an absence seizure. These tests also can help to diagnose absence seizures or rule out other conditions: Blood tests.

Can you walk During an absence seizure?

Typical absences The person may stop what they are doing, look blank and stare, or their eyelids might blink or flutter. They will not respond to what is happening around them. If they are walking they may carry on walking, but will not be aware of what they are doing.