Absence

2 minute read

Absence seizures are usually brief and can sometimes be mistaken for daydreaming. It’s common for them to start in childhood. In the past they were called petit-mal seizures.

Fast facts

1
The 2 most common types of absence seizure are: typical absence and atypical absence
2
For most people a single typical absence seizure usually lasts less than 10 seconds
3
Atypical absence seizures tend to last longer, for up to 30 seconds
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Absence seizures are more likely to happen when drifting off to sleep or waking up
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For some people absences can happen many times throughout the day

What happens

If you are having an absence seizure you won’t know what’s happening around you and can’t be brought out of it.

Lose awareness for a few seconds

Suddenly stop whatever you’re doing, but won't fall over

Look like you’re daydreaming or switching off. Which can make it difficult for other people to notice you're having a seizure

Possibly have fluttering eyelids

Possibly have slight jerking of body or limbs

Atypical absence seizures are similar to typical absence seizures. They last longer and start and end more slowly.

You might:

Find your muscles go limp or floppy
Have clumsy actions
Be able to move around and respond to other people
Do brief repeated actions

People who have atypical absence seizures often have learning disabilities or other conditions which affect the brain.

How people can help

If you have absence seizures

It’s helpful for others to:

Assume you are not aware of what’s happening
Be calm and reassuring
Keep you safe
Stay with you until you have recovered
Tell you anything you have missed afterwards

It’s not helpful to:

Restrain you
Try to bring you round – it’s not possible
Shout at you or make abrupt movements
Give you food or drink until you have recovered

After the seizure

People usually recover immediately from absence seizures
After a cluster of several seizures you might feel confused
You might want people to let you know what they saw happening. If so it’s ok to ask