MANAGING YOUR ABSENCE SEIZURES

What Are Absence Seizures?

Absence seizures are seizures with periods of altered consciousness, which may be noted only as a blank stare. They may occur in adults but are more common in children. They may be mistaken for daydreaming. Warning signs such as a strange feeling, unusual taste or odor, or headache may come before the seizure.

What Causes Absence Seizures?

A seizure is caused by abnormal signals in the brain. Head injuries, strokes, brain infections, or tumors can cause these seizures, but often the reason for them is unknown.

What Are the Symptoms of Absence Seizures?

Symptoms in addition to those mentioned above include some fluttering of eyelids and twitching of muscles in the face. Seizures usually last less than 10 seconds and stop by themselves. People are completely unaware of these seizures and continue with their previous activity.

How Are Absence Seizures Diagnosed?

The health care provider uses observations from eyewitnesses and the medical history to diagnose absence seizures. Also, an MRI or CT scan of the brain may be done to tell whether there is a physical cause, such as damage to the brain from congenital defects, stroke, or trauma. The health care provider may also order a brain wave study called an electroencephalogram (EEG). This safe and painless test records the brain’s electrical activity with electrodes placed on the scalp.

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How Are Absence Seizures Treated?

Until the seizure disorder is well controlled, precautions may be needed. People living alone should arrange to have help until the health care provider believes that it is safe to resume living alone.

The main treatment is medicine. Sometimes more than one drug may be used. The health care provider may have to take blood samples to make sure that the correct dose is given and may adjust the dose as needed. Often, the medicine will reduce the frequency and severity of the seizures, but some people, even with the medicine, will continue to have seizures. Also, all drugs have side effects.

DOs and DON’Ts in Managing Absence Seizures:

DO call the health care provider if you have any problems with your medicines.
DO take the medicine prescribed by your health care provider and have blood tests to measure levels of the drug.
DO wear an ID bracelet indicating that you have a seizure disorder and listing the drugs you take.
DO call the health care provider if your seizures become more frequent or severe.
DO teach your family and friends about your disorder and what to do if you have a seizure.
DO tell someone near you that you feel a seizure coming on and lie down.
DO arrange to have someone call the health care provider if you are injured during a seizure, have difficulty breathing, or do not regain consciousness shortly after the seizure.
DO arrange to have someone call 911 for an ambulance when continuous seizures occur.

DON’T operate dangerous machinery or drive unless your health care provider approves.
DON’T swim alone.
DON’T climb on ladders or roofs or do anything that may be dangerous if you have a seizure.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact the following source:

Epilepsy Foundation of America
Tel: (800) EFA-1000, (301) 459-3700
Website: http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org

Ferri’s Netter Patient Advisor