Absence epilepsy
Absence epilepsy
Absence epilepsy (pronounced: ab-suhns eh-puh-lep-see) is a type of epilepsy that is characterized by brief, sudden lapses of consciousness. These are more commonly known as absence seizures or "petit mal" seizures.
Etymology
The term "absence" is derived from the Latin word "absentia", meaning "being away" or "lack of presence". This refers to the brief periods of unconsciousness that are characteristic of this condition. The term "epilepsy" comes from the Greek word "epilēpsía", meaning "to seize" or "to take hold of", referring to the sudden onset of symptoms.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of absence epilepsy is the occurrence of absence seizures. These seizures are typically very brief (usually lasting only a few seconds) and involve a sudden lapse of consciousness. During a seizure, the individual may stare blankly into space and may not respond to external stimuli. Other symptoms can include subtle body movements such as eye blinking or lip smacking.
Causes
Absence epilepsy is believed to be primarily genetic in origin, although the exact genetic factors involved are not fully understood. It is thought that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the development of this condition.
Treatment
Treatment for absence epilepsy primarily involves the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) to control seizures. The choice of AED is typically based on the individual's specific symptoms, overall health, and response to treatment.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Absence epilepsy
- Wikipedia's article - Absence epilepsy
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