Absence Seizures

Absence Seizures

It is a type of primary generalized epilepsy with loss of consciousness which is so brief that the patient does not fall to the ground. It is considered to be genetically linked disease.

Clinical Features 

The usual age of onset is between 5 and 10 years. It is more common in females. The attack starts suddenly, lasts for 10-20 seconds and ends abruptly. The child's level of consciousness is changed. There is sudden stoppage of motor activity, or speech and facial expression becomes blank. Immediately after the attack the child is able to continue with what he was doing beforehand. There is no aura.

Laboratory Diagnosis 

EEG findings are diagnostic. There is normal background activity with sudden onset of synchronous 3 cycles/sec spikes and waves.

Treatment

Ethosuxamide and valproic acid.

Prognosis 

Prognosis is usually good. Attacks rarely persist beyound puberty. Sometimes it is associated with grand mal fits when prognosis is not so good. Intelligence is usually normal, but very frequent attacks interfere with learning.