The International Classification of Epileptic Seizure has recently revised that absence epilepsy is under the general seizures, which indicates the bihemispheric primary involvement both electroencephalographically and clinically. As you know most young children with absence seizures, which is formally called as “petit mal” could be recognized further as having an epileptic syndrome.

Typical absence seizures

The typical absence seizure is characterized of a abrupt onset of an impaired consciousness, which is usually related with a blank facial appearance with no other behavioral phenomena and motor. This is relatively rare condition.

Motor phenomena:

Clonic components may be pretty subtle. But the most common is eye blinking. It may also range from nystagmus to hasty jerking of arms. The changes in tone usually include a tonic postural contraction which leads to hypertonic extension or flexion. Even though a decrease in tone can rarely cause fall, it may also lead to dropping certain objects or nodding of head.

Autonomic phenomena

Autonomic phenomena related to absence seizures are the following:

urinary incontinence
piloerection
salivation
sweating
flushing
pallor
pupil dilation

Atypical absence seizures

Atypical absence seizures have conventionally characterized as having the following:

reduce abrupt onset or termination than the typical absence seizures
more distinct changes in tone
longer duration

Tagged with: • • •

Filed under: Epilepsy

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!