Seizures occur when there is sudden and uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. Absence seizures are common in younger individuals, mainly children aged 4 to 14 years. Absence seizures New York episodes are characterized by sudden but brief consciousness lapses, where a child tends to stare into space for a few seconds. Absence seizures, called petit mal seizures, are often outgrown and do not cause long-term concerns. The seizures are triggered by hyperventilation, and after the episode passes, the child resumes their activities with normal alertness levels. While absence seizures may not be as scary, treatment is essential since they can impact a child’s performance. Besides medication, you also should implement certain measures to help the child thrive, including:
Supportive home environment
Tell your family members and close friends about the condition. These are the people your child spends more time with and who significantly influence their development. If they don’t know about the seizures, they can misinterpret the episodes which stand in the way, such as in social interactions. For instance, the episode may make a person think the child is being rude when they don’t respond, or they are trying to pull a prank.
Your child can hardly thrive in such an environment since they are misunderstood. Informing those close to your child makes it easier to spot any signs and implement a prompt intervention, especially in cases where the seizures take longer and expose them to more risks, as with atypical absence seizures.
School preparations
You are not alone in your child’s development journey. It is the main reason schools ask about your child’s health status, such as allergies and other notable conditions the educators should know. If the teachers and coaches, among other stakeholders, don’t know about the absence seizures, it can cause significant friction, dragging your child’s social, educational, and behavioral development. Inform them about the seizures and what the child may need if the episodes happen while under their watch. This way, they will be best positioned to ensure your child’s safety, including fostering healthier relationships with other children.
Medication
Taking medication as prescribed can help prevent absence seizures episodes and, when they happen, mitigate risks. As your child grows, you might be tempted to alter the dosage, such as if the episodes seem to have subsided and you think they have outgrown absence seizures. Don’t give in to such temptation; talk to your doctor, who professionally assesses the situation and recommends the right medication or lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle measures
Diet and adequate rest help manage absence seizures. Sleep deprivation is a known seizure trigger, emphasizing the need for adequate rest. A healthy nutritional regimen also helps, with the ketogenic diet being among the recommended measures, especially where medication falls short. Ideally, adopt a diet rich in high fat and low carbohydrates, which helps reduce seizures.
Absence seizures may not be life-threatening but can lead to complications, including social isolation, learning difficulties, and behavioral challenges if not managed well. Visit Beyond ADHD today for absence seizures diagnosis, treatment, and management recommendations.