ABSENCE SEIZURES Meaning and
Definition
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Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, are a type of generalized non-convulsive seizure that primarily affects children. These seizures are characterized by a sudden and temporary loss of awareness, during which the individual may appear to be off-task or simply stare into space for a short period. Absence seizures typically last a few seconds to half a minute and may occur multiple times throughout the day. They are usually brief and may go unnoticed or mistaken for daydreaming.
During an absence seizure, the individual does not exhibit convulsions or major movements but appears mentally disengaged. However, they are not unconscious and can often resume activities as if nothing happened once the seizure ends. These seizures are more commonly observed in children between the ages of 4 and 14 and typically disappear in adulthood.
The exact cause of absence seizures is not fully understood but they are believed to be related to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Some potential factors that may contribute to the development of absence seizures include genetics, certain medications, head injuries, and underlying neurological conditions.
Treatment for absence seizures often involves antiepileptic medications that help regulate brain activity and reduce the frequency and severity of the seizures. In some cases, children with absence seizures may outgrow the condition as they reach adolescence.
It is important for individuals experiencing absence seizures to seek medical evaluation and diagnosis from a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate treatment and management plan.
Common Misspellings for ABSENCE SEIZURES
- zbsence seizures
- sbsence seizures
- wbsence seizures
- qbsence seizures
- avsence seizures
- ansence seizures
- ahsence seizures
- agsence seizures
- abaence seizures
- abzence seizures
- abxence seizures
- abdence seizures
- abeence seizures
- abwence seizures
- abswnce seizures
- abssnce seizures
- absdnce seizures
- absrnce seizures
- abs4nce seizures
- abs3nce seizures
Etymology of ABSENCE SEIZURES
The word "absence" in "absence seizures" comes from the Latin word "absentia", which means "lack" or "absence". "Seizure" refers to a sudden surge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Thus, "absence seizures" refers to a type of seizure where there is a temporary loss of awareness or absence of consciousness, often observed in individuals with epilepsy. The term is derived from the notion that in these seizures, there is an absence or lack of normal consciousness or awareness.
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