Absence seizures, also referred to as petit mal seizures, are a form of seizure that usually affects children. The seizure is usually brief and lasts only a few seconds, and the individual might appear as if staring into space due to loss of consciousness about their surroundings. Though the seizure is usually very short and not considered harmful, it may hinder a child’s development and learning process if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment help the child cope and overcome absence seizures in an effective manner.
If you or a loved one is being treated for absence seizures, you will want to understand the available treatment options and the benefits of those treatments. This article explores absence seizure treatment and how it can assist children and adults in leading healthier, seizure-free lives.
Absence Seizures Overview
Absence seizures are generalised seizures characterised by a sudden loss of awareness typically lasting between 5 to 20 seconds. They tend to affect children the most, typically occurring multiple times a day, making it hard for them to concentrate in school or even on schoolwork or similar tasks. Although absence seizures are short in duration, they can affect a child’s academics or social life.
Treatment by Medicine
The primary treatments for absence seizures are through medications. Anti-epileptic medications are used for controlling and stopping this type of seizure. Common anti-seizure medicines include:
- Ethosuximide: This is used as a first-line treatment of absence seizure, and it serves to inhibit excessive electrical activity of the brain caused by the absence seizure.
- Valproic Acid: This is another commonly used medication. In fact, it is effective in controlling absence seizures and is used where the patients are not suited or adequate to ethosuximide.
- Lamotrigine: This is another medicine that may be prescribed, especially if the patient has any other types of seizures apart from absence seizures.
Absence seizure medication usually requires to be taken over a long time and should be under close follow-up by a doctor to vary dosages as well as efficacy.
Dietary Changes and Treatment
In some cases, dietary changes or alternative treatments may be recommended to support traditional seizure medications. The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that is effective in reducing seizures in some children with epilepsy, including those with absence seizures. The diet promotes the production of ketones, which help stabilise brain activity and reduce seizures.
This diet is to be followed in the presence of a healthcare provider because it involves intentional planning to achieve nutritional balance.
Lifestyle Modifications and Support
While medications are primarily used to treat absence seizures, some lifestyle modifications can also help contribute to the management of seizures. For instance, maintaining a proper sleep schedule and managing daily stressors is important in ensuring the patient does not experience a seizure event.
- Sufficient Sleep: Lack of sleep may be a contributing factor to these seizures. The patient must get enough, regular sleep to regulate their seizure activity.
- Stress Reliever: Stress can lead to seizures and anxiety. Deep breathing, mindfulness, and yoga may help the patient reduce stress.
Follow-Up Care and Monitoring
Once the treatment starts, routine follow-ups are necessary with either a neurologist or an epilepsy specialist for monitoring treatment effects. Dosing or other interventions may have to be modified if the patient reacts to treatment in a specific manner.
- EEG Monitoring: Electroencephalogram (EEG) tests help monitor brain activity and detect abnormal patterns that may indicate seizure activity.
- Regular Assessments: This ensures the treatment plan remains appropriate as the child grows, and any side effects of medications are managed effectively.
When to Seek Additional Support
If absence seizures are still not controlled either by medication, lifestyle changes or other treatments and interventions, patients may require supplemental support. In specific cases, further treatments such as surgery may become an option and these are most often preferred for more severe seizures. A specialist paediatric neurologist can help determine this option if other lines of treatment become ineffective.
Steps to Find Top Absence Seizure Doctor in Mumbai
An expert neurologist or epilepsy specialist should be consulted for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan while trying to treat absence seizures. In Mumbai, leading multispecialty hospitals, like Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, ensure expert care and comprehensive treatment options for children and adults with absence seizures. These hospitals have the latest facilities and experienced healthcare providers who follow a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the best outcomes.
Know more about : Everything You Need to Know About Epilepsy
Conclusion
Absence seizures can affect a child’s life; however, with timely treatment and appropriate care, most children are able to live a normal and healthy life. Medication in combination with lifestyle changes and continuous monitoring can help reduce the frequency of seizures. To seek absence seizure treatment in Mumbai, contact the best specialists to ensure comprehensive care for your child’s health.
