Silent Seizures in Children

Silent seizures may also be referred to as absence seizures or petit mal seizures. These seizures are particularly difficult to detect because they are often mistaken for daydreaming or ADHD. While silent seizures are not usually dangerous, they can interrupt the learning process.

Features

• Silent seizures are characterized by a brief lapse in awareness. These seizures begin and end suddenly and typically last just a few seconds. The affected child may appear to stare blankly and is not aware of what is going on in their environment. Sometimes the eyelids of facial muscles will jerk or twitch slightly during a silent seizure.

Time Frame

• Children with silent seizures usually experience their first episode sometime between the age of 4 and 12 years old. According to Epilepsy.com, approximately 70 percent of children affected by silent seizures, outgrow them by the age of 18.

Identification

• Silent seizures are quite difficult to identify because they occur so briefly that they may go unnoticed for months or even years. Children may have multiple absence seizures daily without knowing that they are occurring. Absence seizures may be misdiagnosed as ADHD; they can be properly diagnosed using an EEG.

Effects

• Silent seizures may affect a child's ability to learn because of frequent interruptions during the child's school day. While having a seizure, the child is missing instruction and has many gaps in his learning.

Treatment

• Medications can help to either eliminate or reduce the occurrence of absence seizures. Such medications may include Zarontine, Depakene and Lamictal.