What are absence seizures?

Absence seizures are a type of epilepsy. This is a condition that causes seizures. Seizures are caused by abnormal brain activity. These mixed messages confuse your brain and cause a seizure. An absence seizure causes you to blank out or stare into space for a few seconds. They can also be called petit mal seizures. Absence seizures are most common in children and usually don’t cause any long-term problems. These types of seizures are often set off by a period of very fast breathing (hyperventilation).

Absence seizures usually occur in children between ages 4 and 14. A child may have 10, 50, or even 100 absence seizures in a given day, and you may not notice them. Most children who have typical absence seizures are otherwise normal. But absence seizures can get in the way of learning and affect concentration at school. This is why prompt treatment is important.

Not everyone who has a seizure has epilepsy. Usually, a diagnosis of epilepsy can be made after 2 or more seizures.

Absence seizures often occur along with other types of seizures that cause muscle jerking, twitching, and shaking. Absence seizures may be confused with other types of seizures. Doctors will pay close attention to your symptoms to make the right diagnosis. This is important for effective and safe treatment of your seizures.

It’s uncommon for absence seizures to continue into adulthood. But it’s possible to have an absence seizure at any age.

What causes absence seizures?

Like other kinds of seizures, absence seizures are caused by abnormal activity in a person’s brain. Doctors often don’t know why this happens. Most absence seizures last less than 15 seconds. It’s rare for an absence seizure to last longer than 15 minutes. They can happen suddenly without any warning signs. Some hereditary conditions may increase the risk for absence seizures.

What are the symptoms of absence seizures?

The easiest way to spot an absence seizure is to look for a blank stare that lasts for a few seconds. People in the midst of having an absence seizure don’t speak, listen, or appear to understand. An absence seizure doesn’t typically cause you to fall down. You could be in the middle of making dinner, walking across the room, or typing an e-mail when you have the seizure. Then suddenly you snap out of it and continue as you were before the seizure.

These are other possible symptoms of an absence seizure:

• Being very still
• Smacking the lips or making a chewing motion with the mouth
• Fluttering the eyelids
• Stopping activity such as suddenly not talking or moving
• Suddenly returning to activity when the seizure ends

If you have jerking motions, it may be a sign of another type of seizure taking place along with the absence seizure.

How are absence seizures diagnosed?

You may have absence seizures for years before seeing a doctor for a diagnosis. You may have “staring spells” without thinking of them as a health problem or a seizure.

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test most often used to diagnose absence seizures. This test records the brain’s electrical activity. It spots any problems that might mean an absence seizure. Sometimes the EEG is recorded over several days (long-term EEG). It may include video at the same time.

These tests also can help to diagnose absence seizures or rule out other conditions:

• Blood tests
• Tests of the kidneys and liver
• CT or MRI scans
• Spinal tap to test the cerebrospinal fluid 

How are absence seizures treated?

Absence seizures can affect your ability to do your job or go to school, so it’s a good idea to see your healthcare provider about treatment.

Absence seizures can be treated with a number of different medicines. The type of medicine that your healthcare provider recommends will also depend on what other seizure disorder you may have. If you have more than one type of seizure disorder, you may need to take several medicines.

Can absence seizures be prevented?

Taking your medicines exactly as your doctor prescribed is one of the best ways to manage absence seizures. But you can also make some changes in your life to help prevent absence seizures from happening. These include:

• Get plenty of sleep each night.
• Find ways to manage your stress.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Exercise regularly.

Living with absence seizures

Most people with epilepsy live full and active lives with medicine and other lifestyle changes. But it can be challenging at times to manage large and small life events when you have epilepsy. Depending on your age and the severity and type of epilepsy, you may need support with the following:

• Behavioral and emotional issues. It is important to get enough sleep and manage stress when you have epilepsy. Stress and lack of sleep can trigger seizures. If you have trouble sleeping, talk with your healthcare provider about how to make sure you get enough sleep. Learn coping techniques that will help you manage stress and anxiety.
• Employment. With proper treatment, people with epilepsy can do just about any job safely and well. But certain jobs with a high risk to public safety may not be an option. Epilepsy is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This law prohibits discrimination against people with epilepsy and other disabilities.
• Coping with discrimination and stigma. Children and adults with epilepsy may face discrimination. They struggle to overcome the stigma linked to this condition. Teach your family, friends, co-workers, and classmates about your condition. Let them know what to expect and how to help during a seizure.
• Education. Children with epilepsy may be entitled to special services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Work closely with your child’s teacher and school nurse to help manage epilepsy at school. It’s important for parents of children with epilepsy to balance safety and fun. Let your child to have some age-appropriate independence and participate in sports and other activities at school, when possible.
• Driving. Each state has different driving laws for people with epilepsy. Licensing may depend on how severe seizures are and how well they are controlled. Consider public transportation where it is available. If you continue to have absence seizures, it may not be safe for you to drive.
• Support and online resources. You may feel alone in dealing with day-to-day life with epilepsy, but know that many people have epilepsy. You can find local support groups through your healthcare provider or local hospital. Many online resources give tools and tips for managing this condition. Online social media support groups bring together people from all over the world who are managing their epilepsy. These groups provide support and encouragement.

If you have trouble managing your absence seizures, you may want to work more closely with your healthcare provider to find a better way to treat them.

Key points about absence seizures

• Absence seizures are seizures that generally last just a few seconds. You may have a blank or “absent” stare.
• Absence seizures usually occur in children between ages 4 and 14, but it’s possible to have an absence seizure at any age.
• Absence seizures are easy to miss, but tests and an assessment of symptoms can diagnose them.
• Healthcare providers can usually help find the right mix of medicines and lifestyle changes to manage absence seizures.
• Without treatment, school, work, and relationships can be affected.