Petit Mal Seizure – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
To figure out if a child has absence seizures or another type of seizure disorder, healthcare providers start by learning about the child’s symptoms. They also perform a physical exam to check for any clues about brain function.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a key test in this process. In an EEG, small metal discs called electrodes are placed on the scalp. This test measures the brain’s electrical signals.
During the EEG, asking the child to breathe quickly (hyperventilate) can help trigger typical absence seizures, making them easier to detect. Doctors watch for abnormal patterns on the EEG, which show if seizure activity is present.
Sometimes, doctors order a brain scan such as an MRI. This imaging test helps rule out other problems, like tumors or strokes. If the child cannot stay still for a long time, doctors may use sedation during the scan.
These steps help confirm if a child has absence seizures or other seizure disorders, such as tonic-clonic seizures or focal seizures.
The diagnosis also takes into account recurrent symptoms, changes in awareness, and automatic movements like lip smacking or chewing motions.
Treatment
Doctors usually begin treatment for absence seizures with a low dose of anti-seizure medicine and slowly raise the dose to control symptoms.
If the child has not had a seizure for two years, doctors may lower or stop the medicine under close supervision.
Common Anticonvulsant Medications
| Medicine Name | Typical Use | Possible Side Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Succinimide anticonvulsant | Usually first choice for absence seizures | Stomach upset, tiredness, sleep issues, hyperactivity |
| Broad-spectrum anticonvulsant | For both absence and tonic-clonic seizures | Nausea, trouble paying attention, hunger, weight gain, rare pancreas or liver problems |
| Sodium channel–blocking anticonvulsant | Alternative for those who cannot take other medicines | Rash, nausea, usually fewer side effects |
Some anti-seizure medicines may not be recommended during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. People should talk with their doctor about risks and benefits before starting or changing any medicine.
Doctors may suggest other options, like epilepsy surgery or special diets, if medicine does not improve seizures. Emergency medicine may help stop long-lasting seizures (status epilepticus).
Managing epilepsy usually includes:
- Following the medicine schedule every day
- Checking for side effects
- Meeting regularly with a healthcare provider
If the first treatment does not stop the seizures, the specialist may try different medicines or a combination of anti-seizure drugs.
Everyday Steps and At-Home Care
Food Choices That Help
Choosing certain foods may make a difference with seizure management. A common approach is the ketogenic diet, which is high in fat and low in carbohydrates.
This meal plan is sometimes used when regular treatments are not working well. There are easier versions, such as the glycemic index diet and the modified Atkins diet.
While these diets are less strict than the ketogenic diet, they might still help reduce the number of seizures, though results can vary for each person.
A table below shows the features of each diet:
| Diet Type | Main Focus | Restrictiveness | Possible Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ketogenic Diet | High fat, very low carbs | Very strict | May greatly reduce seizures in some |
| Modified Atkins Diet | High fat, fewer carbs than normal | Less strict | May help some people |
| Glycemic Index Diet | Focus on low-GI carbs | Less strict | May help some people |
Other Tips and Tools
Medication Routines: Follow the doctor’s orders for medication. Do not change or skip medicine without talking to a healthcare provider.
Sleep Habits: Get enough sleep each night to help prevent seizures, as tiredness can trigger them.
Medical ID: Wear a medical alert bracelet to let others know what to do if a seizure happens. This is an important safety step.
Activity Guidelines: Follow rules about driving, swimming, or bathing. Some activities are not safe unless another adult is present.
Track Progress: Keep a seizure diary to spot patterns. This can also help doctors adjust treatment. Noticing changes in learning or behavior problems early can help address them more quickly.
Ways to Handle and Find Help
Support at Home
Families can offer important support for someone with a seizure disorder. Talking openly helps everyone understand what to expect. Keeping communication open lets loved ones express their concerns and get the answers they need.
Help in School Settings
Teachers and staff play a key role in making school safer. It helps when parents explain the seizure disorder, any possible triggers, and what to do if a seizure happens during class or activities.
Some families use a written care plan. Simple tips for school staff include:
- Being aware of warning signs
- Knowing emergency steps
- Offering a safe place to recover if needed
Finding Community and Connection
It can be reassuring to know others face the same challenges. Joining local or online support groups connects families to people with shared experiences. A healthcare provider can suggest helpful resources.
Reaching out to friends, family, and support communities builds a network that makes a difference day to day.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Steps to Take Before Seeing the Healthcare Provider
Keep a Detailed Record: Write down all symptoms you notice, even those that seem unrelated to seizures. Time and describe every episode, including how long it lasts and what happens before, during, and after.
List All Medications: Make a written list of all medicines, vitamins, and supplements the patient takes. Include brand names, doses, and how often they are taken. This helps the healthcare provider make safe choices about treatment.
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Prepare Questions in Advance: To make the most of the visit, bring a list of questions. People often want to know:
What could be causing these symptoms?
Will tests be needed?
Are there special steps to prepare for these tests?
Is this issue short-term or lifelong?
What treatments do you advise?
What side effects might happen?
Are generic medications available?
Can other types of seizures develop later?
Can regular activities continue?
Are there printed materials or trusted websites?
Gather Documents: Bring any past test results, medical reports, and notes from school or caregivers who have observed symptoms. These details give a complete picture for the specialist.
Questions the Healthcare Provider Might Ask
During the appointment, the healthcare provider or neurologist will likely ask:
- When did the symptoms first appear?
- How frequently do the episodes occur?
- Can you describe what happens during a typical episode?
- How long do the episodes usually last?
- Does the person remember what happened after an episode?
