Yes, children can outgrow absence seizures. In many cases, absence seizures disappear by adolescence, although some children may continue to experience them into adulthood. It is important to consult with a medical professional for a proper evaluation and guidance on managing the condition.
Detailed response to your query
Children can indeed outgrow absence seizures, although the timeline for resolution can vary from child to child. While some children may see the seizures disappear during adolescence, others may continue to experience them into adulthood. Seeking proper evaluation and guidance from a medical professional is essential in managing the condition.
It is worth noting that absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, are a type of generalized seizure that primarily affects children between the ages of 4 and 14. They are characterized by a brief loss of awareness and typically last for 10 to 30 seconds. During an absence seizure, a child may appear to be staring blankly into space and may not respond to external stimuli.
To provide further insight into the topic, let’s explore a quote from renowned neurologist, Dr. Orrin Devinsky:
“Absence seizures are relatively common in childhood and frequently become less frequent or stop altogether by adulthood.”
Interesting facts about absence seizures:
- Gender differences: Absence seizures are more common in girls than boys, with a ratio of approximately 3:2.
- Brief duration: Absence seizures are typically short in duration, lasting only a matter of seconds. This makes diagnosing them challenging, as they can easily go unnoticed.
- EEG findings: Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a crucial tool in diagnosing absence seizures. It can detect the distinct pattern of generalized 3-hertz spike-and-wave discharges associated with these seizures.
- Genetic factors: Some cases of absence seizures have a genetic basis. Certain genetic mutations or variations can increase the likelihood of developing this type of seizure disorder.
- Impact on learning: Prolonged or frequent absence seizures can affect a child’s learning and cognitive abilities. It is crucial to address and manage the condition to mitigate any potential impact on academic performance.
Table: Commonly used antiepileptic drugs for managing absence seizures:
| Medication | Dosage Range |
|---|---|
| Ethosuximide | 10-40 mg/kg/day |
| Valproic Acid | 15-60 mg/kg/day |
| Lamotrigine | 1-5 mg/kg/day |
| Levetiracetam | 10-60 mg/kg/day |
| Zonisamide | 4-12 mg/kg/day |
| Topiramate | 2-10 mg/kg/day |
Remember, it is crucial to consult with a medical professional to determine an individualized treatment plan and to closely monitor the child’s progress in managing absence seizures.
I found more answers on the Internet
About 60% of children outgrow absence seizures in their teens, especially if medicine has worked well to control their seizures. Those who don’t outgrow them might have seizures into adulthood, but medicine can help control these.
You might discover the answer to “Can a child outgrow absence seizures?” in this video
In the video, the speaker tackles the question of whether a child will outgrow epilepsy. They mention that while some epilepsy syndromes tend to disappear in early adolescence, there are always exceptions to the rule. Certain types of epilepsy, like juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, are less likely to remit with age. Factors that might suggest a higher chance of seizure remission include early seizure control with medications, normal EEG and MRI results, normal development before seizure onset, and remaining seizure-free on medications for more than two years. However, predicting the prognosis of epilepsy can be challenging, and in many cases, only time will reveal whether the seizures will cease.
Surely you will be interested in this
Subsequently, Can absence seizures go away?
Answer: In about 7 out of 10 children with absence seizures, the seizures may go away by age 18. If this happens, medicines may not be needed as an adult. Children who start having absence seizures before age 9 are much more likely to outgrow them than children whose absence seizures start after age 10.
What age do children outgrow absence seizures? Most children outgrow absence seizures during their teen years.
Secondly, What triggers an absence seizure?
Response: Seizures result from overactivity in the brain. Absence seizures occur most often in people under age 20, usually in children ages 4 to 12. In some cases, the seizures are triggered by flashing lights or when the person breathes faster and more deeply than usual (hyperventilates).
Just so, Do absence seizures damage brain?
Answer: Absence seizures themselves, which nearly always are very brief, do not injure the brain. Once in a while, absence seizures can continue for hours to days, a condition known as absence status epilepticus, but the risk of injury from even very prolonged bouts is extremely remote.
Also question is, Are absence seizures harmful to children with epilepsy?
Absence seizures (also called petit mal seizures) are common in children with epilepsy. However, they can be easy to miss and go undiagnosed for a long time. Absence seizures are generally not harmful, and many children outgrow them by puberty. However, about 10% of children may develop other seizure types later in life.
Furthermore, Can a child outgrow a seizure?
Response to this: Most children can get complete seizure control by taking the medicine. About 60% of children outgrow absence seizures in their teens, especially if medicine has worked well to control their seizures. Those who don’t outgrow them might have seizures into adulthood, but medicine can help control these. What Problems Can Happen?
Likewise, When do absence seizures go away?
The reply will be: In about 7 out of 10 children with absence seizures, the seizures may go away by age 18. If this happens, medicines may not be needed as an adult. Children who start having absence seizures before age 9 are much more likely to outgrow them than children whose absence seizures start after age 10.
Considering this, Are absence seizures genetic?
Absence seizures are thought to be genetic, though a child might not always have a family member who has seizures or epilepsy. Sometimes seizures are from gene mutations. Anyone can get absence seizures, but they are more likely in: How Are Absence Seizures Diagnosed?
Are absence seizures harmful to children with epilepsy?
The response is: Absence seizures (also called petit mal seizures) are common in children with epilepsy. However, they can be easy to miss and go undiagnosed for a long time. Absence seizures are generally not harmful, and many children outgrow them by puberty. However, about 10% of children may develop other seizure types later in life.
One may also ask, Can a child outgrow a seizure? Most children can get complete seizure control by taking the medicine. About 60% of children outgrow absence seizures in their teens, especially if medicine has worked well to control their seizures. Those who don’t outgrow them might have seizures into adulthood, but medicine can help control these. What Problems Can Happen?
Are absence seizures genetic? Absence seizures are thought to be genetic, though a child might not always have a family member who has seizures or epilepsy. Sometimes seizures are from gene mutations. Anyone can get absence seizures, but they are more likely in: How Are Absence Seizures Diagnosed?
What causes a lapse in consciousness if a child has a seizure?
Answer to this: Absence seizures cause a lapse in consciousness. These seizures happen suddenly, without warning, usually lasting fewer than 20 seconds, and are more common in children than adults. Absence seizures are often mistaken for daydreaming. Anticonvulsant medications are the main treatment. Most children outgrow absence seizures during their teen years.