How Autonomic Dysfunction Arises in Absence Seizures

Absence seizures are a unique sub-classification of seizure that often goes unrecognized in young children who suffer from them. In many children, diagnosis is not made accurately until later in life when the complications of seizure become more apparent. If your child seems to be inattentive, and complains of lack of focus and attention, it is important to address the issues of absence seizures and determine if there is an autonomic dysfunction present.

In children, the autonomic function of the body ensure the body can naturally maintain blood pressure and cardiac function. When a child suffers from undiagnosed complications of absence seizures, there can be a temporary shutdown of the autonomic system, resulting in some cardiovascular complications. Without proper diagnosis, your child's long term health can be adversely affected. And, while you may be inclined to give your child natural remedies, such as berberis vulgaris, for attention and focus, the real health issue may be adversely affected with natural remedies. Always seek out cardiovascular attention when addressing neurological health issues.

When seeking out medical attention for a child who may have complications with attention and focus, it is important to ask about neurological testing for the presence of seizures. In many cases, this testing will include an EEG as well as a functional MRI. With absence seizures, the only symptom that may be readily apparent is a temporary loss of consciousness followed by a drop in blood pressure. Because most children recover from this type of seizure without further complication, it can be mistaken for an Attention Deficit Disorder.

Treating absence seizure, once confirmed, will require not only medications to manage the neurological component but also medications to treat any cardiovascular risks your child may have. Because there is an autonomic dysfunction present when an absence seizure occurs, proper cardiovascular health must be monitored. For most children, this will not require medications early in life, but evaluation of blood pressure is necessary when a seizure does occur.

Of all the types of seizures that a child can experience, the presence of absence seizures are often hard to diagnosis and often overlooked. If you have a hard time getting your child to focus and concentrate, but your child does not seem to be hyperactive, be sure to ask about the presence of absence seizures when seeking out pediatric medical attention.

Sources: Seizures and Epilepsy in Childhood, by John Freeman