Absence crisis in adults: symptoms and consequences

We can confuse it with the sensation of daydreaming.. However, absence seizures in adults are far from being mere daydreams; In fact, they have a very characteristic cerebral correlate. However, the diagnosis is usually complicated, since the symptoms that are directly observed are ambiguous, since they can be easily confused with episodes of self-absorption.

Next, you will be able to know these crises better, the idea is that in the end you will be able to identify them in a more direct and simple way. It is very important to be alert to this type of absences, especially in older adults. Let’s see it in detail.

What is an absence crisis?

There are two types of absence seizures: typical and atypical.

An absence seizure is a period of sudden, brief loss of consciousness.. During it, the person appears to stare into nothingness for a few seconds, and then returns to their normal level of alertness, without any physical injuries.

Although they are more common in children than in adults, there are cases in the latter that also require medical attention. Generally, these crises correct themselves in adolescence, so their presence in adulthood usually indicates problems that require diagnosis and treatment.

Depending on the duration and characteristics of the crisis, two types are differentiated: typical and atypical. Let’s see them in detail:

Typical: They are the most common. The person interrupts the action he was performing and seems to have gone blank. It usually lasts less than 10 seconds.Atypical: They last more than 10 seconds and usually include more varied movements and symptoms, such as rubbing the fingers.

Causes

Actually, These seizures are seizures caused by abnormal activity in the brain. They tend to be generalized in onset (that is, they affect both cerebral hemispheres) and normally only affect the level of consciousness and not muscle tone.

While seizures typically result from abnormal electrical patterns in neurons (such as repeated firing in 3-second loops), They may also be due to chemical alteration of neurotransmitters. Hence, a diagnosis made by a professional is necessary.

Symptoms

The most striking symptom is the lost look that lasts around 10 seconds. This is often confused with a lack of attention (although more so in the case of children), but if you look closely you can identify other signs:

Unlike other seizures, there is no subsequent disorientation, as well as no headache or drowsiness.Sometimes a movement is interrupted without loss of balance: For example, if the subject is about to grab a glass of water and freezes halfway.In some cases small movements are observed, such as clicking the tongue, fluttering the eyelids, chewing movements, rubbing the fingers, or hand tics. Amnesia after the episode.

Consequences and damages of absence crises

Absence seizures are caused by brief abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Although it is a disorder of consciousness, an absence seizure does not cause brain damage. Yes, it is true that falls can occur due to a crisis and create anxiety, if the person does not understand what is happening to them.

On the other hand, if absences are very frequent, there is a risk that the person will lose track of what they were doing. These constant interruptions in activity are limiting in certain contexts, such as study or work.

Diagnosis and treatment

To diagnose absence seizures, a battery of tests is necessary. The most important are the anamnesis and the electroencephalogram (EEG).. With the results of this last test, it is easier to know the pattern of brain electrical activity and its possible abnormalities.

Once we know that what has occurred was a seizure, and not another phenomenon, the most common intervention is based on the administration of anticonvulsants. However, the patient is asked to see the doctor again if the seizures reappear or worsen.

If you are here because you think you may be suffering from these absences, remember that this space is merely informative. If you have any questions about your health (and, especially, if it is affecting your daily life), remember to go to your trusted doctor so that he or she can carry out the evaluation that corresponds to the circumstances that arise.

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