Absence Seizures Symptoms

As we all know, seizures is a condition in which a person experiences uncontrollable contraction of muscles. Also, referred to as involuntary muscle spasms, seizures can be bothersome, when these convulsions occur frequently. So, how is this medical phenomenon different from absence seizures? It is discussed below:

Symptoms
In case of absence seizures in children or adults, besides involuntary movement of muscles, the person also loses his alertness. In other words, the person is completely unaware of what is happening around him and so is unable to respond to any set of questions in that period of time. Fortunately, this phenomenon doesn't last even for a minute. This unresponsive nature of the person is usually a 30 second phenomenon.

Absence seizures in adults or children, is considered to be a brain disorder. It is the result of electrical disturbances in some part of the brain, that put a person in a state of total unawareness and is accompanied by uncontrolled movement of hands or legs. Although, it lasts only for a short period, when these episodes occur more than 40 - 50 times in a day, it can be really annoying.

In some cases, the symptoms manifest in the form of stares. The person keeps gazing at one object, and loses alertness for a few seconds. For a viewer, it may appear as if the person is day dreaming. This diminished awareness is a hallmark of absence seizures in which the person does not communicate. Many a time, decreased awareness is marked by constant blinking of the eyes. The onset of symptoms in adults and children are sudden and considered to be the manifestation of unnatural electrical activity in the brain.

This type of seizure is usually noticed in children belonging to the age group of 5-15. As the child loses his ability to interact during a short episode of absence seizure, this brain disorder is also termed as a behavioral problem. During this period, the person is inattentive and that is why he is not in a position to respond.

Causes
What causes neurons (that send electrical signals) inside the brain to work in an improper manner is still unknown. However, many theories put forward by doctors indicate that a head injury might be the culprit. Doctors believe that presence of tumor in the brain or a stroke could also trigger this problem. Meningitis that causes swelling of the tissues covering the brain can also cause absence seizures. Alcoholism and drugs that affect normal brain function are some of the factors that may cause abnormal seizure activity.

Treatment involves intake of seizure medications to manage this brain disorder effectively. Initially, the medicine is prescribed in small doses but if that doesn't help the dose is increased to stop occurrence of absence seizures.

Keep in mind that treatment isn't necessary, if this medical problem occurs once in a while. Occasional occurrence of this abnormal activity doesn't need medical attention. However, if episodes of absence seizures begin to affect the day-to-day routine, it cannot be neglected and may need urgent treatment