What is the first line drug for absence seizure?

Drugs prescribed for absence seizure include: Ethosuximide (Zarontin). This is the drug most doctors start with for absence seizures. In most cases, seizures respond well to this drug.

What are the symptoms of typical absence seizures?

What are the symptoms of absence seizures?

Being very still.
Smacking the lips or making a chewing motion with the mouth.
Fluttering the eyelids.
Stopping activity (suddenly not talking or moving)
Suddenly returning to activity when the seizure ends.

Can you respond during an absence seizure?

The person will stare (just like in absence seizure) but they may be able to respond a bit. Eye blinking, chewing movements, lip smacking, or slight jerking movements of the lips may occur. There may be rubbing of the fingers or hands or other small hand movements.

What is the average time for an absence seizure to last?

A single typical absence seizure usually lasts less than 10 seconds. But some people have clusters of absences one after another. Atypical absence seizures last longer, up to 30 seconds.

How do you stop absence seizures without medication?

Herbal treatments. Share on Pinterest.
Vitamins. Certain vitamins may help reduce the number of seizures caused by some types of epilepsy.
Dietary changes. Certain dietary changes may also help decrease seizures.
Self-control and biofeedback.
Acupuncture and chiropractic care.

Can I drive with absence seizures?

To drive, you must meet all normal driving requirements and must have been completely free of seizures for one year, with or without taking anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Different regulations may apply if your seizures do not affect your consciousness (see below).

Do absence seizures get worse over time?

Children with absence seizures often outgrow the condition. Absence seizures can continue, however. Some patients progress to longer or more intense seizures.

When do you outgrow an absence seizure?

Many children outgrow absence seizures in their teens. An indication of simple absence seizure is a vacant stare, which may be mistaken for a lapse in attention that lasts about 10 seconds, though it may last as long as 20 seconds, without any confusion, headache or drowsiness afterward. Signs and symptoms of absence seizures include:

What are the side effects of an absence seizure?

Other complications can include: 1 Learning difficulties 2 Behavior problems 3 Social isolation

Is it safe to drive with absence seizures?

If you continue to have absence seizures, it may not be safe for you to drive. Support and online resources. You may feel alone in dealing with day-to-day life with epilepsy, but be assured that many people have epilepsy. You can find local support groups through your healthcare provider or local hospital.

What’s the difference between absence seizures and petit mal seizures?

Absence Seizures. An older term is petit mal seizures. They begin and end abruptly, lasting only a few seconds. Absence seizures can be so brief they sometimes are mistaken for daydreaming and may not be detected for months. They are more common in children.