What can trigger an absence seizure?
What can trigger an absence seizure?
There is no known cause for absence seizures, but they do tend to run in families. Like all seizures, they’re the result of abnormal electrical or chemical activity in the brain. Hyperventilation or flashing lights may be triggers, but there may be no such identifiable triggers.
What does petit mal seizure look like?
Typical Absence Seizures It may look like he or she is staring off into space or just has a blank look. The eyes may turn upwards and eyelids flutter. The seizures usually last less than 10 seconds.
Are petit mal seizures dangerous?
Absence seizures are a type of epilepsy. They aren’t normally harmful, and most children grow out of them by puberty. But, you should talk to your child’s pediatrician because, untreated, they can affect your child’s life and learning.”
Can stress cause absence seizures?
This is because stress has different meanings among different people. Even in people without epilepsy, stress and anxiety can trigger PNES, which are also known as pseudoseizures. PNES are physiologically different from the neurological seizures found in epilepsy.
What does a silent seizure look like?
Someone having an absence seizure may look like he or she is staring blankly into space for a few seconds. Then, there is a quick return to a normal level of alertness. This type of seizure usually doesn’t lead to physical injury.
What is a staring spell?
They are caused by a temporary spark of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. During the seizure, the child will stop what she’s doing and stare ahead. She may stay still during the event, or make chewing or smacking noises with her mouth.
How do you stop absence seizures in adults?
What can I do to help manage or prevent absence seizures?
- Take the seizure medicine every day at the same time. This will also help prevent medicine side effects.
- Set a regular sleep schedule.
- Keep a seizure diary.
- Ask what safety precautions to take.
- Talk to others about the seizures.
What happens if absence seizures go untreated in adults?
Absence seizures usually do not cause serious health problems. Some people also develop another type of seizure called a tonic-clonic seizure. This is a seizure that causes convulsions.
