Absence Seizures in Children: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction:

Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, are generalized seizures that primarily affect children. They are characterized by brief episodes of staring or staring spells, during which the person is unresponsive and unaware of their surroundings. Absence seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain and can be diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.

Causes of Absence Seizures:

The exact cause of absence seizures is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This abnormal activity is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the factors that may contribute to the development of absence seizures include:

• Genetics: Absence seizures can run in families, suggesting a genetic component to the disorder. Studies have identified several genes that may be involved in developing absence seizures.
• Brain abnormalities: Structural abnormalities in the brain, such as tumors or malformations, can increase the risk of developing absence seizures.
• Metabolic disorders: Certain metabolic disorders, such as hypoglycemia or electrolyte imbalances, can trigger absence seizures.
• Medications: Some medications, such as stimulants or antidepressants, can increase the risk of developing absence seizures.

Symptoms of Absence Seizures:

The primary symptom of absence seizures is a brief episode of staring or staring spells, during which the person is unresponsive and unaware of their surroundings. These episodes typically last a few seconds to a minute and may occur multiple times daily.

In summary, symptoms of absence seizures may include:

• Brief episode of staring or staring spells lasting for few seconds
• Lip smacking or chewing movements.
• Eye blinking or fluttering.
• Hand movements, such as fidgeting or rubbing.
• Brief loss of muscle tone, causing the person to slump or drop objects.
• Confusion or disorientation after the seizure.
• Memory loss or difficulty recalling events that occurred during the seizure.

Diagnosis of Absence Seizures:

Diagnosing absence seizures can be challenging because the symptoms can be subtle and may be mistaken for other conditions, such as daydreaming or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Therefore, a thorough medical history and physical examination are essential in making a diagnosis. In addition, other diagnostic tests, such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, are also requested. These tests can help identify the location and cause of the seizure.

During an EEG, electrodes are placed on the scalp to measure the electrical activity in the brain. In people with absence seizures, the EEG will show characteristic patterns of abnormal electrical activity, known as 3 Hz spike-and-wave discharges. These patterns are typically seen during the seizure and may be absent between seizures.

Treatment of Absence Seizures:

The treatment of absence seizures depends on the severity and frequency of the seizures. In many cases, medication is the first-line treatment. The most used medications for absence seizures are:

• Ethosuximide: This medication reduces the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes the absence seizures. It is typically the first choice for treating absence seizures.
• Valproic acid: This medication treats various seizure disorders, including absence seizures. It works by increasing the neurotransmitter levels called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps reduce the brain’s abnormal electrical activity.
• Lamotrigine: This medication treats various seizure disorders, including absence seizures. It works by blocking the release of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that can trigger seizures.
• Surgery may be necessary in some cases to remove the area of the brain where the seizure originates. However, this is only considered if medication is ineffective in controlling seizures.

Prevention of Absence Seizures:

Preventing absence seizures involves identifying and treating the underlying cause of the seizure, which may include managing underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension. It may also involve avoiding triggers that can precipitate seizures, such as sleep deprivation or alcohol consumption.

In addition, people with absence seizures should take steps to ensure their safety during a seizure, which may include wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace, avoiding activities that could be dangerous during a seizure, and informing family members, friends, and coworkers about the condition.

In Summary:

Absence seizures are a type of generalized seizure that primarily affects children. They are characterized by brief episodes of staring or staring spells, during which the person is unresponsive and unaware of their surroundings. Absence seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain and can be diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. The treatment of absence seizures depends on the severity and frequency of the seizures and may involve medication or surgery. Preventing absence seizures consists of identifying and treating the underlying cause and taking steps to ensure safety during a seizure.