Epilepsy With Absence Seizures

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This leaflet discusses only the type of epilepsy with typical absence seizures. There are other types of 'atypical' absence seizures not dealt with in this leaflet. Other leaflets in this series include: 'Epilepsy - A General Introduction', 'Epilepsy with Tonic-Clonic Seizures', 'Epilepsy with Partial Seizures', 'Could it be Epilepsy', 'Living with Epilepsy' and 'Treatments for Epilepsy'.

What is a seizure and what is epilepsy?

A seizure is a short episode of symptoms caused by a burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Typically, a seizure lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes. (Older words for seizures include convulsions and fits.)

The brain contains millions of nerve cells (neurones). Normally, the nerve cells are constantly sending tiny electrical messages down nerves to all parts of the body. Different parts of the brain control different parts and functions of the body. Therefore, the symptoms that occur during a seizure depend on where the burst of electrical activity occurs in the brain. There are different types of seizures but they are broadly divided into two main types - generalised and partial.

• Generalised seizures. These occur if you have a burst of abnormal electrical activity which spreads throughout the brain. It affects consciousness, and may cause a convulsion.
• Partial seizures. In these type of seizures the burst of electrical activity starts in, and stays in, one part of the brain. Therefore, you tend to have localised or 'focal' symptoms. Different parts of the brain control different functions, so symptoms depend on which part of the brain is affected. Partial seizures may not affect consciousness, but may affect sensations, emotions, behaviours, muscles, or combinations of these.

If you have epilepsy, it means that you have had repeated seizures.

Absence seizure (previously called petit-mal) is a form of generalised seizure. It mainly occurs in children and young people. It is uncommon in adults. Many people associate epilepsy with the dramatic 'convulsive' type of seizure. Absence seizures are not like this. They are often not noticed for some time as it can appear that the affected person is simply daydreaming. The following gives a typical example.

The person has a brief loss of consciousness (an 'absence') for a few seconds. They do not fall, but may pause in what they are doing. Their face often looks pale with a blank expression. They may look dazed, the eyes stare, and the eyelids may flutter a little. Sometimes their head may fall down a little, or their arms may shake once or twice. Each seizure usually starts and finishes abruptly. The person is not aware of the 'absence', and resumes what they were doing.

Absence seizures may not be noticed by parents or teachers for some time as they usually last just a few seconds. It is common to have several absence seizures per day. If they are frequent, a child's education may suffer as they will not be able to concentrate on lessons.

No underlying cause can usually be found in the brain. The bursts of abnormal electrical activity usually occur 'out of the blue'. Why they start, or continue to occur, is unclear. What seems to happen is that the brain develops a low threshold for bursts of abnormal electrical activity.

In some people, a tendency to develop absence seizures is inherited. How it is passed on is not clear, but several members of an extended family may have this type of epilepsy. The parents of children with this type of epilepsy may wish to have genetic counselling to see if there is a chance of further children being affected.

The most important part of making a diagnosis is to have a clear description from parents or teachers of what happens during a suspected seizure. Often the description is typical of an absence seizure. However, sometimes it can be difficult for a doctor to be sure. The EEG test (ElectroEncephaloGram) is then helpful. This records the electrical impulses from the brain. Special stickers are put on parts of the scalp. They are connected to the EEG machine which amplifies the tiny electrical impulses given off by the brain and records their pattern on paper or a computer. The test is painless. People with absence seizures often have a typical EEG pattern.

There are several different medicines that can control absence seizures. They work by stabilising the electrical activity of the brain. Medication needs to be taken each day to control seizures. In most cases one medicine can control seizures. A low dose is usually started at first. If this fails to control seizures, the dose may need to be increased.

The outlook is good. Absence seizures rarely continue into adulthood. This type of epilepsy is not usually associated with any other neurological (brain) condition. Children with this type of epilepsy have the same range of intelligence and other abilities as other children. Treatment usually controls the seizures so that education and other aspects of life can be normal. Treatment can often be stopped in the late teenage years.

About 1 in 3 children with absence seizures will also have one or more 'convulsive' seizures (tonic-clonic seizures). If this occurs, both the absence and convulsive seizures can be treated by the same medication. In this group of children with both types of epilepsy, if treatment is stopped when absence seizures have ceased (often in their late teens), some may develop further convulsive seizures later in life. Treatment may then need to be re-started.

Further information

Epilepsy Action
New Anstey House, Gateway Drive, Leeds, LS19 7XY
Helpline: 0808 800 50 50    Web: www.epilepsy.org.uk

National Society For Epilepsy
Chesham Lane, Chalfont St Peter, Gerrards Cross, Bucks, SL9 0RJ
Helpline: 01494 601 400    Web: www.epilepsynse.org.uk

Epilepsy Scotland
48 Govan Road, Glasgow, Scotland, G51 1JL
Helpline: 0808 800 2 200    Web: www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk

Epilepsy Wales
PO Box 4168, Cardiff, CF14 0WZ
Helpline: 0845 7413774    Web: www.epilepsy-wales.co.uk

© EMIS and PIP 2005   Updated: September 2005   PRODIGY Validated

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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