Absence seizures involve brief, sudden lapses of consciousness. They're more common in children than adults. Someone having an absence seizure may look like he or she is staring into space for a few seconds. This type of seizure usually doesn't lead to physical injury.

Absence seizures usually can be controlled with anti-seizure medications. Some children who have them also develop other seizures. Many children outgrow absence seizures in their teens.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

An indication of simple absence seizure is a vacant stare, which may be mistaken for a lapse in attention that lasts 10 to 15 seconds, without any subsequent confusion, headache or drowsiness. Signs and symptoms of absence seizures include:

• Sudden stop in motion without falling
• Lip smacking
• Eyelid flutters
• Chewing motions
• Finger rubbing
• Small movements of both hands

Absence seizures generally last 10 to 15 seconds, followed immediately by full recovery. Afterward, there's no memory of the incident. Some people have dozens of episodes daily, which interfere with school or daily activities.

A child may have absence seizures for some time before an adult notices the seizures, because they're so brief. A decline in a child's learning ability may be the first sign of this disorder. Teachers may comment about a child's inability to pay attention.

When to see a doctor

Contact your doctor:

• The first time you notice a seizure
• If this is a new type of seizure
• If the seizures continue to occur despite being placed on anti-seizure medication

Seek immediate medical attention:

• If you observe prolonged automatic behaviors — activities such as eating or moving without awareness — or prolonged confusion, possible symptoms of a condition called absence status epilepticus
• After any seizure lasting more than five minutes

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Often, no underlying cause can be found for absence seizures. Many children appear to have a genetic predisposition to them. Rapid breathing (hyperventilation) can trigger an absence seizure.

In general, seizures are caused by abnormal electrical impulses from nerve cells (neurons) in the brain. The brain's nerve cells normally send electrical and chemical signals across the synapses that connect them.

In people who have seizures, the brain's usual electrical activity is altered. During an absence seizure, these electrical signals repeat themselves over and over in a three-second pattern.

People who have seizures may also have altered levels of the chemical messengers that help the nerve cells communicate with one another (neurotransmitters).

Absence seizures are more prevalent in children. Many children gradually outgrow them over months to years. Some children with absence seizures may also experience full seizures (tonic-clonic seizures).

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Your doctor will ask for a detailed description of the seizures and conduct a physical exam. Tests may include:

• Electroencephalography (EEG). This painless procedure measures waves of electrical activity in the brain. Brain waves are transmitted to the EEG machine via small electrodes attached to the scalp with paste or an elastic cap.

  Your child may be asked to breathe rapidly or look at flickering lights, an attempt to provoke a seizure. During a seizure, the pattern on the EEG differs from the normal pattern.

• Brain scans. Tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can produce detailed images of the brain, which can help rule out other problems, such as a stroke or a brain tumor. Because your child will need to hold still for long periods, talk with your doctor about the possible use of sedation.

Electroencephalography (EEG). This painless procedure measures waves of electrical activity in the brain. Brain waves are transmitted to the EEG machine via small electrodes attached to the scalp with paste or an elastic cap.

Your child may be asked to breathe rapidly or look at flickering lights, an attempt to provoke a seizure. During a seizure, the pattern on the EEG differs from the normal pattern.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

While most children outgrow absence seizures, some:

• Have seizures throughout life
• Eventually have full convulsions, such as generalized tonic-clonic seizures

Other complications can include:

• Learning difficulties
• Behavior problems
• Social isolation

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

A person with absence seizures may elect to wear a medical bracelet for identification for emergency medical reasons. The bracelet should state whom to contact in an emergency and what medications you use. It's also a good idea to let teachers, coaches and child care workers know about the seizures.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Even after they've been controlled with medication, seizures may affect areas of your child's life, such as attention span and learning. He or she will have to be seizure-free for reasonable lengths of time (intervals vary from state to state) before being able to drive.

You may find it helpful to talk with other people who are in the same situation as you. Besides offering support, they may have advice or tips for coping that you haven't considered.

The Epilepsy Foundation has a network of support groups, as well as online forums for teens and adults who have seizures and parents of children who have seizures. You can call the Epilepsy Foundation at 800-332-1000 or visit its website. Also, your doctor may know of support groups in your area.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Certain factors are common to children who have absence seizures, including:

• Age. Absence seizures are more common in children between the ages of 4 and 10.
• Sex. In general, most seizures are more common in boys, but absence seizures are more common in girls.
• History of febrile seizures. Infants and children who have seizures brought on by fever are at greater risk of absence seizures.
• Family members who have seizures. Nearly half of children with absence seizures have a close relative who has seizures.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com