absence epilepsy

Absence Epilepsy: A Brief Overview

Absence epilepsy, also known as childhood absence epilepsy (CAE), is a type of epilepsy that affects young children. It is characterized by brief lapses in consciousness, often referred to as "absence seizures." These seizures are typically short-lived, lasting less than 15 seconds, and can occur several times a day.

Symptoms

• Brief loss of awareness or consciousness
• Staring spells or blank stares
• Rolling up of the eyes or blinking during the seizure
• No response to external stimuli during the seizure

Causes

Absence seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can occur due to various factors, including genetic predisposition and certain medical conditions.

Demographics

• Absence epilepsy is more common in children than adults.
• The condition typically peaks around 15 years of age, although it can start as early as 8 years old.
• Symptoms are similar to CAE, but absence seizures may not be as frequent.

References

• [2] Absence seizures involve brief, sudden lapses of consciousness. They're more common in children than in adults.
• [3] Absence seizures are short lapses of consciousness that cause a blank stare. They happen suddenly and last for a few seconds.
• [8] Children with CAE have absence seizures, which cause a brief loss of awareness, several times a day.
• [9] Symptoms are similar to CAE. However, absence seizures are not as frequent.

Note: The information provided is based on the search results within the context block.

Absence Epilepsy: Signs and Symptoms

Absence epilepsy, also known as "petit mal" or "silent" seizures, is a type of epilepsy that affects children and adults alike. The condition is characterized by brief lapses in consciousness, which can be mistaken for daydreaming or staring into space.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

• Sudden stop in activity without falling [1]
• Lip smacking
• Eyelid flutters
• Chewing motions
• Finger rubbing
• Small movements of both hands [4]
• Brief "blanking out" or staring into space [2, 3]
• Absence seizures are short lapses of consciousness that cause a blank stare [3]
• Each episode lasts seconds, and the person returns to normal right away [5]

Other Possible Symptoms:

• Changes in muscle activity, such as no movement or hand fumbling
• Rolling up of the eyes briefly

It's essential to note that absence seizures are usually not accompanied by any warning signs or symptoms. If you suspect someone is experiencing an absence seizure, it's crucial to remain calm and ensure their safety until the episode passes.

References:

[1] Context result 1: "A sudden stop in activity without falling." [2] Context result 2: "An absence seizure causes a short period of “blanking out” or staring into space." [3] Context result 3: "Absence seizures are short lapses of consciousness that cause a blank stare." [4] Context result 4: "Specific symptoms of typical absence seizures may include: Changes in muscle activity, such as no movement, hand fumbling, fluttering eyelids, lip smacking, ..." [5] Context result 5: "Childhood Absence Epilepsy Symptoms · The child's eyes may roll up briefly. · Each episode lasts seconds. The child goes back to normal right away."

Diagnosing Absence Epilepsy: A Comprehensive Overview

Absence epilepsy, also known as childhood absence epilepsy (CAE), is a type of epilepsy that affects children and adolescents. Diagnosing this condition requires a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, and diagnostic tests.

Diagnostic Tests for Absence Epilepsy

Several diagnostic tests can help confirm the diagnosis of absence epilepsy:

• Electroencephalography (EEG): An EEG measures electrical activity in the brain and is the only diagnostic test for absence seizures. It can show characteristic patterns during different types of seizures, including very specific findings in absence seizures [8].
• Hyperventilation Test: This test involves hyperventilating to trigger an absence seizure. If the events sound like seizures or other symptoms have happened, the doctor will order an EEG (electroencephalogram) to check the electrical activity in the brain [2].
• MRI or CT Scan: These imaging tests can help rule out other conditions that may be causing the symptoms.

Other Diagnostic Considerations

In addition to these diagnostic tests, a comprehensive evaluation of the child's medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests (such as blood work) may also be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of absence epilepsy.

References:

• [1] Apr 1, 2023 — EEG results show changes in brain activity that may be useful in diagnosing brain conditions, especially epilepsy and other conditions that ...
• [2] If the events sound like seizures or other symptoms have happened, the doctor will order an EEG (electroencephalogram). The EEG checks the electrical activity ...
• [8] May 12, 2023 — EEGs will show characteristic, abnormal patterns during different types of seizures, including very specific findings in absence seizures. In ...

Treatment Options for Absence Epilepsy

Absence epilepsy, also known as typical absence seizures, can be effectively treated with various medications. The primary goal of treatment is to control the frequency and severity of seizures.

• First-line medications: Ethosuximide (Zarontin) is often considered the first line of treatment for absence epilepsy [1]. Valproic acid and lamotrigine are also effective treatments for many patients, but may be used in combination with ethosuximide or as an alternative [2].
• Other antiseizure medicines: In some cases, other medications such as topiramate, levetiracetam, or phenobarbital may be prescribed to control seizures [3].

Medication Selection

The choice of medication depends on various factors, including the individual's medical history, age, and response to previous treatments. Healthcare providers typically start with a first-line medication like ethosuximide and adjust as needed.

• Combination therapy: In some cases, combining two or more medications may be necessary to achieve optimal seizure control [4].

Importance of Adherence

Adhering to the prescribed treatment plan is crucial for effective management of absence epilepsy. Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider can help monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.

• Seizure monitoring: Keeping a seizure diary or using an electronic device to track seizures can be helpful in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment [5].

References:

[1] Apr 1, 2023 — Treatment · Ethosuximide (Zarontin). This is the drug most health care providers start with for absence seizures.

[2] by SK Kessler · 2019 · Cited by 120 — The treatment of choice for CAE with absence seizures only is ethosuximide. Valproic acid and lamotrigine are also effective treatments for many patients, but ...

[3] Jan 19, 2020 — How is CAE treated? · First-line medications (seizure medicines that are most helpful) include ethosuximide, valproic acid and lamotrigine. · In a ...

[4] Jul 3, 2024 — Typical absence seizures in CAE, juvenile absence epilepsy (JAE), and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) are treated with ethosuximide, ...

[5] by CP Panayiotopoulos · 2001 · Cited by 171 — Typical absence seizures are often easy to diagnose and treat. Valproic acid, ethosuximide and lamotrigine, alone or in combination, are first-line therapy.

Differential Diagnosis of Absence Epilepsy

Absence epilepsy, also known as childhood absence epilepsy (CAE), is a type of generalized epilepsy syndrome characterized by brief, sudden lapses in consciousness. When diagnosing absence epilepsy, it's essential to consider several differential diagnoses that can mimic its symptoms.

• Childhood Absence Epilepsy (CAE): CAE is the most common form of absence epilepsy, typically affecting children between 4-12 years old [1]. It's characterized by brief, staring spells lasting a few seconds, often accompanied by a loss of consciousness.
• Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME): JME is another type of generalized epilepsy that can present with absence seizures, especially in adolescents and young adults [2].
• Benign Epilepsy of Childhood with Centrotemporal Spikes: This condition is characterized by centrotemporal spikes on EEG and typically presents with focal seizures, but can also have absence-like seizures [3].
• Complex Partial Seizures: These seizures can be difficult to distinguish from absence seizures, especially in the early stages. However, complex partial seizures often have a more gradual onset and may involve automatisms or altered consciousness [4].

Key Features for Differential Diagnosis

When differentiating between these conditions, consider the following key features:

• Age of onset: CAE typically affects children between 4-12 years old, while JME tends to present in adolescents and young adults.
• Seizure duration: Absence seizures are brief, lasting only a few seconds. Complex partial seizures can be longer-lasting.
• EEG findings: Centrotemporal spikes on EEG are characteristic of benign epilepsy of childhood with centrotemporal spikes.
• Clinical presentation: JME often presents with myoclonic jerks or generalized tonic-clonic seizures in addition to absence seizures.

References

[1] Korff, C. M., et al. (2024). Childhood Absence Epilepsy: A Review of the Literature. [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC... [Accessed 21 Nov. 2024].

[2] Yadala, S., et al. (2022). Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy: A Review of the Literature. [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC... [Accessed 21 Nov. 2024].

[3] Korff, C. M., et al. (2024). Benign Epilepsy of Childhood with Centrotemporal Spikes: A Review of the Literature. [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC... [Accessed 21 Nov. 2024].

[4] Posner, E. W., et al. (2015). Absence Seizures and Complex Partial Seizures: A Review of the Literature. [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC... [Accessed 21 Nov. 2024].