What are absence seizures?

Absence seizures are a type of seizure that causes brief lapses in awareness. During an episode, a person may appear to stare into space for a few seconds and not respond to what’s happening around them. These seizures are most common in children and are often subtle, making them easy to overlook.

They are linked to changes in electrical activity in the brain and are one form of epilepsy.

Absence seizures are caused by abnormal signals in the brain. In many cases, there isn’t a clear reason why they happen. Some children may have a genetic tendency toward seizures. Rapid breathing (such as during hyperventilation) can sometimes trigger an episode.

Symptoms

Absence seizures can be difficult to recognize because they happen quickly and may look like daydreaming. They often occur without warning and end just as suddenly.

Common symptoms include:

• Brief staring spells
• Sudden pause in talking or movement
• Not responding when spoken to
• Eyelid fluttering
• Small mouth movements, like chewing or lip smacking
• Quick return to normal activity with no confusion

These episodes usually last less than 15 seconds and do not cause a person to fall.

How are they diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a careful review of symptoms and medical history. Because absence seizures can be subtle, providers often rely on detailed descriptions from parents, teachers, or caregivers.

The most common test used is an electroencephalogram (EEG), which measures electrical activity in the brain. In some cases, longer monitoring or video-EEG may be recommended to capture events as they occur.

Additional tests, such as blood work or imaging like an MRI, may be used to rule out other conditions.

How are they treated?

Treatment usually begins with medication to help control seizure activity. Many people respond well to anti-seizure medications, and the type prescribed depends on the individual’s needs and whether other seizure types are present.

Healthy daily habits can also play an important role in managing seizures. These include:

• Getting enough sleep
• Managing stress
• Staying physically active
• Eating a balanced diet

With consistent treatment, many children see improvement over time. In some cases, absence seizures decrease or stop completely as a child gets older.