Absence seizures are a type of epilepsy seizure that may affect children at an early age and often go unnoticed at their beginning due to their short duration and their resemblance to normal attention distraction. Correct handling of the condition since its discovery contributes to
reducing its impact on learning and daily behavior, and helps the child live his life more stably. The treatment of absence seizures in children relies on accurate diagnosis and regular medical follow-up, along with the family's psychological and behavioral support for the child.
What are absence seizures in children?
Ways to deal with absence episodes in children
Absence seizures in children are short seizures in which the child loses consciousness for moments without obvious convulsions,where he stops responding to his surroundings and stares into space, then returns to normal without awareness of what happened. These seizures may repeat several times a day, which makes paying attention to them necessary.
Causes of absence seizures in children
Absence seizures in children are linked to abnormal electrical activity in the brain,and often the genetic factor plays a role in their appearance. Also, some factors may increase the frequency of seizures, such as lack of sleep, excessive stress, or exposure to bright, intermittent light.
Symptoms of absence seizures in children
Absence seizures in children appear in the form of:
- Sudden stopping of speech or activity
- Fixed staring for a few seconds
- Lack of response when calling the child
- Simple repetitive movements like eye blinking
- Returning to activity without remembering what happened
Diagnosis of absence seizures in children
The diagnosis of absence seizures in children relies on medical history and observation of symptoms,along with performing an electroencephalogram (EEG) which shows a distinctive pattern of electrical activity associated with these seizures. Early diagnosis is an essential step for setting an appropriate treatment plan.
Medication treatment for absence seizures in children
Medication treatment is considered the basis for controlling absence seizures in children,where the doctor prescribes anti-epileptic drugs that help regulate electrical activity in the brain. Adherence to the prescribed doses and not stopping the medication without medical consultation is necessary to ensure the treatment's effectiveness.
The role of daily habits in reducing absence seizures in children
Organizing daily habits contributes to reducing the recurrence of absence seizures in children,and this includes:
- Getting sufficient hours of sleep.
- Avoiding physical and mental exhaustion.
- Regulating meal times.
- Limiting exposure to screens for long periods.
The importance of psychological and educational support for the child
A child with absence seizures needs psychological support to help him overcome the anxiety or embarrassment resulting from the seizures.It is also preferable to inform the school of the child's condition to ensure teachers' understanding and to provide a suitable educational environment that does not affect his academic achievement.
When do absence seizures in children improve?
In many cases,absence seizures in children respond well to treatment and may gradually disappear with age, especially when adhering to the treatment plan and regular follow-up with the specialist doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions about absence seizures in children
Are absence seizures in children dangerous?
Often they are not dangerous in themselves,but they may affect learning and concentration if not treated.
Do absence seizures in children affect intelligence?
They do not directly affect intelligence,but their recurrence without treatment may reflect on attention and academic achievement.
Is a complete cure from absence seizures in children possible?
Yes,in many cases the condition improves significantly or disappears with adherence to treatment and medical follow-up.
Article summary
Absence seizures in children are a neurological condition that requires early diagnosis and regular treatment to control them safely.Treatment relies on appropriate medications along with improving lifestyle, and providing psychological and educational support for the child. Adherence to the treatment plan and continuous follow-up help reduce seizures and enable the child to practice his daily life normally.