Defining and Treating Absence Seizure

More commonly known as a petit mal seizure, absence seizure is a short but noticeable period in which there is a break in the flow of conscious activity. In many situations, the outward appearance of an absence seizure is as if the person has suddenly lapsed into deep thought, followed by a sudden resumption of the previous activity. For example, a person who experiences a seizure of this nature may be talking, break off in mid-sentence, and then pick up where he or she left off as if nothing had happened.

While the condition is most common in children, adults can also experience absence seizure. Generally, the seizure takes place due to a momentary abnormality in the communication between the nerve cells and the brain. As the signals essentially repeat themselves for a short span of time, the flow of communication is brought to a halt and the individual appears to disconnect from the surrounding world.

Other signs also indicate that an individual is suffering from an absence seizure. The eyelids may begin to flutter, even as the person seems to stare fixedly at one object or in one direction. Chewing or lip smacking may take place for no apparent reason. The hands and even the arms may make small movements that are barely perceptible. Because the episodes come and go so quickly, the individual usually does not experience any sense of disorientation, although the incident was readily apparent to anyone who was in conversation with the person at the time the attack began.

Children who experience seizures of this type usually grow out of them. However, there are adults who undergo these brief attacks throughout the day. This can effectively disrupt productivity at work, have a negative impact on relationships, and even make simple tasks like shopping or reading a book more difficult to accomplish.

When absence seizures are causing difficulties at this level, it is often a good idea to seek treatment from a qualified physician. Prescription medication, including anti-seizure medicine used for more severe types of seizures, may help to bring the condition under control. It may take some time to find the right medication to halt the seizures, as well as find the ideal dosage to control the situation.

There are also some indications that the presence of absence seizures in adults may also be triggered by stress. Often, finding ways to effectively deal with the stress, or possibly resolve a situation that is causing continual stress, will lead to an end of the seizures, making it unnecessary to take any type of medication. However, no patient should choose to cease taking any prescription medication without consulting his or her doctor first.