Also Known As
* Petit mal seizure
Description
* This is a form of Epilepsy in which Seizures are caused by abnormal neuronal discharge in the brain -- the "wires" of the brain's electrical circuitry get crossed and discharge abnormally). Absence seizures are characterized by impairment of consciousness or posture, and usually last only a few seconds. This type of seizure is more common in those under age 20.
Symptoms
* Usually begin between ages 6 to 14 years and resolve by age 20
* Sudden, brief, loss of consciousness (the child appears to "space out" for a
few seconds)
* Eye fluttering
* Speech suddenly ceases for a few seconds
* Chewing movements or lip smacking
* Hand shaking
* Loss of body muscle tone, and falling if standing
* Urine incontinence
* No confusion following a seizure
* There is an atypical form of absence seizure that differs from the typical
form in its duration (i.e., lasts longer), has a slower onset, slower
recovery, and may be associated with confusion.
* A child may have no memory in both forms of absence seizures.
* Seizures may occur very frequently and then go unnoticed for months or years.
Cause
* Idiopathic (unknown)
* Congenital (born with structural brain problem)
* Perinatal (brain Injury at or near time of birth)
* There may be a complication of liver, kidney, or other diseases.
How The Diagnosis Is Made
* EEG (electroencephalograph) shows synchronous and symmetric 3 Hz spike-
and-wave activity.
* CT scan or MRI may be done to rule out a structural problem.
* Blood tests to rule out kidney or liver infection may be needed if EEG and
radiographs are normal.
Treatment
* Ethosuximide
* Valproic acid
* Clonazepam
Similar Conditions
* Complex partial Seizures
* Febrile Seizures
* Petit mal seizure
Description
* This is a form of Epilepsy in which Seizures are caused by abnormal neuronal discharge in the brain -- the "wires" of the brain's electrical circuitry get crossed and discharge abnormally). Absence seizures are characterized by impairment of consciousness or posture, and usually last only a few seconds. This type of seizure is more common in those under age 20.
Symptoms
* Usually begin between ages 6 to 14 years and resolve by age 20
* Sudden, brief, loss of consciousness (the child appears to "space out" for a
few seconds)
* Eye fluttering
* Speech suddenly ceases for a few seconds
* Chewing movements or lip smacking
* Hand shaking
* Loss of body muscle tone, and falling if standing
* Urine incontinence
* No confusion following a seizure
* There is an atypical form of absence seizure that differs from the typical
form in its duration (i.e., lasts longer), has a slower onset, slower
recovery, and may be associated with confusion.
* A child may have no memory in both forms of absence seizures.
* Seizures may occur very frequently and then go unnoticed for months or years.
Cause
* Idiopathic (unknown)
* Congenital (born with structural brain problem)
* Perinatal (brain Injury at or near time of birth)
* There may be a complication of liver, kidney, or other diseases.
How The Diagnosis Is Made
* EEG (electroencephalograph) shows synchronous and symmetric 3 Hz spike-
and-wave activity.
* CT scan or MRI may be done to rule out a structural problem.
* Blood tests to rule out kidney or liver infection may be needed if EEG and
radiographs are normal.
Treatment
* Ethosuximide
* Valproic acid
* Clonazepam
Similar Conditions
* Complex partial Seizures
* Febrile Seizures
absence seizure...
ReplyDeletehurmm sometimes i feel like being experience it..
heee3x!~