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Absence Seizure – Definition and Diagnosis

Definition and Diagnosis - Absence seizure is a sudden and short lapse of consciousness occurring in children. It is same as petit mal seizures, a French term meaning ‘little illness’. Absence seizures are very short and normally last for less than twenty seconds.

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Definition and Diagnosis of Absence Seizure

New York (USA), June 16, 2013

What is Absence Seizure? – Definition of Absence Seizures

Absence seizure is a sudden and short lapse of consciousness commonly occurring in children. It is same as petit mal seizures, a French term meaning ‘little illness’. It is a mild seizure in comparison to other forms of epileptic seizures. Children often outgrow these seizures by the time they are out of their teens. However, some carry forward these seizures in their adulthood.

Absence seizures are very short and normally last for less than twenty seconds. They start and end so soon that the child hardly realizes. It just seems as if child is staring into space for few seconds.

Absence seizures could be atypical or typical. Atypical absence seizures are common in children with various medical complications and could lead to learning difficulties and similar problems.

Absence seizures have two main components:

1. Absence of consciousness
2. Generalized spike-and-slow wave discharges

Diagnosis of Absence Seizures

Often, absence seizures go unnoticed for a long period, as it is not thought about as a medical problem. Instead, it is only thought of as a spell of weakness or dizziness.

Doctors suggest a simple test, electroencephalogram, to map brain activity. This records electrical activity in brain and records any irregularities that could be the reason behind your lapses. Other tests include CT/MRI scan, blood test, kidney and liver tests, and Spinal tap test to detect any possible problems in cerebrospinal fluid.

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