Does My Child Have Absence Seizures?

Does your child experience a sudden stop in motion without falling?

Does your child smack his lips?

Does your child flutter his eyelids?

Does your child make chewing motions?

Does your child rub his fingers?

Does your child show small movements of both hands?

Based on your answers, your child is unlikely to have absence seizures. Absence seizures are brief, sudden lapses of consciousness and are mostly found in children. Someone who is having an absence seizure may look like he is staring blankly into space for a few seconds. Then, he quickly returns to normal. This type of seizure is not dangerous and usually doesn’t lead to physical injuries. Many kids outgrow the seizures in their teens.

Based on your answers, your child may be displaying one or two signs related to absence seizures. It may be useful to plan a visit to your child’s doctor.

Unfortunately, your child may be displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have absence seizures. It may take some time for parents to notice absence seizures in their child, because they are so brief. The first sign of absence seizures may be a decrease in your child’s ability to learn, or teachers who report that your child is daydreaming or not paying attention. Treatment often includes anti-seizure medication. However, kids often outgrow seizures in their teens. Besides, a ketogenic diet (high in fat, low in carbs) may improve seizure control. This is used only if traditional medications have no effect on seizures.