Epilepsy is a condition that affects the nervous system and causes seizures. Seizures are known as temporary changes in brain activity. Medical experts have categorized and even treated various types of epilepsy according to the types of seizures they cause.
Absence seizures, also known as “petit mal seizures,” are said to last less than 20 seconds. The seizures don’t just occur in children but also adults, and the symptoms they cause are not that noticeable.
People with absence seizures will look like they are zoning out or daydreaming. Also, there are several absence seizure treatment options available to help people get relief from their symptoms.
In this article, we will discuss the causes of absence seizures in adults.
What Exactly Causes the Absence Seizures in Adults?
The body depends on the brain for countless things. Nerve cells present in the brain send out chemical and electrical signals to communicate. Seizures take place when some alteration or changes take place in the electrical activity of the brain. During the absence seizure, the electrical signals of the brain might repeat themselves.
There might be changes in the neurotransmitter levels, which are known as chemical messengers. It’s mainly because they help the brain to interact properly.
At present, the researchers are not entirely sure what exactly causes the absence of seizures, but they believe it is due to the presence of a genetic element.
Symptoms of Absence Seizures
One of the biggest indications of an absence seizure is a vacant stare. This can be mistaken as a lapse in attention and may last for 10 seconds. But there are chances of it lasting for 20 seconds without any drowsiness, headache, or confusion. There are several other symptoms of this condition, which are:
● Finger rubbing
● Chewing motions
● Sudden stop in motion without falling
● Lip smacking
● Eyelid flutter
● Small movements of both the hands
Once the seizure ends, you will not have any memory of the event. Many people have episodes regularly, which makes it difficult for them to conduct all their daily activities.
A person might have an absence seizure for some time before anyone notices it. It’s mainly because these types of seizures are extremely brief. Adults who have absence seizures might find it difficult to concentrate at work. It might also become difficult for them to complete different tasks on time, reach their workplace on time or forget to do important chores at home. People who have these seizures are often found daydreaming.
Also Read more about All About Epilepsy: A Simplified Overview and get yourself aware of it.
How are Absence Seizures Get Diagnosed?
Many people are said to experience these seizures for many years right before they visit a physician for a proper diagnosis. When you have the “staring spells,” you might not think of it as a seizure or a medical issue.
An ElectroEncephalogram [EEG] test can help diagnose this condition in people. The test results will show the electrical activity of the brain and will also display all those abnormalities that can cause absence seizures.
Several other tests are conducted to diagnose the absence of seizure and rule out all the other conditions:
● Spinal tap for testing the cerebrospinal fluid
● Blood tests
● MRI or CT scans
● Liver and kidney tests
Treatments Available for Absence Seizure
When it comes to absence seizure treatment, you will come across many treatment options. One of the best treatments is the “antiseizure medications.” Finding the correct medication involves trial and error and can take time.
The physician will begin by prescribing low doses of these medications and then slowly and he/she will adjust the doses according to the results. Some of the medications provided to people with absence seizures are:
● Stavzor and Depkene [Valproic Acid]
● Lamictal [Lamotrigine]
● Zarontin [Ethosuximide]
People who have absent seizures have to wear a medical identification bracelet. Doing so will let others know what they should do when there is an emergency. It will also be a good idea to educate your friends and relatives about this seizure so that they help you when it occurs.
Bottom Line
Absence seizures don’t just occur in children but also adults. People who suffer from these seizures may experience symptoms like lip smacking, staring vacantly, and making small movements of the hands. If you experience these symptoms frequently, you should speak with the doctor without delay.
