What's absence seizure?

Phasing out: A seizure involves an episode of abnormal function of the brain associated with abnormal brain electrical activity. If the abnormal function involves just a brief phasing out or lack of awareness, it is referred to as an absence. The eeg recording during the event will define what type of absence as well as duration and portions of the brain involved. A careful description also is important.

Short lapse of time: Usually in kids; brief episode of eye flutter with loss of awareness. Usually lasts seconds but may be longer. Associated with typical eeg pattern (generalized spike-wave, 3 per second). Often genetic origin. Highly treatable. Often goes away in time.

Episodes of impaired awareness and eyelid fluttering that lasts for seconds usually. The child is described to be having brief episodes of starring or being non responsive by family or teachers. EEG is diagnostic with a characteristic tracing (3 HZ spike and wave) and anticonvulsants ethosuximide (first line) or valproate, lamotrigine, topiramate, and levetiracetam for control. Often remits