ABSTRACT
This is the most common form of childhood epilepsy. The pupil may look blank and stare, with possible twitching or blinking and a brief loss of consciousness lasting for a few seconds only. He/she may look pale but is able to continue normal activity almost immediately. N.B. Absence seizures can easily be mistaken for ‘day dreaming’.
Action required:
Record the time of day and frequency (to see if a pattern emerges) to pass on to parents/specialist.
Reassure if necessary.
Note possible information that the pupil may have missed since the cumulative effect of absence seizures on short term memory can significantly reduce academic progress.
