Absence Seizures

[Ivana28]

Hey there,

I'm making a documentary for university in which for one part I want to depict an absence seizure solely though a long point of view shot as I feel the topic is not discussed enough. I was wondering if anyone could help me with my research and describe to me what happens when one hits visually and aurally? Also if an absence seizure has ever hit you during a particularly memorable time or place?

Thanks!

 

[Nakamova]

Hi ivana --

Are you sure you mean an absence seizure and not some other kind (like a simple or complex partial)? I ask because a person having an absence seizure doesn't usually realize that one has occurred. During an absence seizure, the brain "flips the on-off switch" for a very brief period (usually less than 20 seconds). The person isn't conscious during it and has no memory of it afterwards. To an observer, it might appear that the person is daydreaming or has drifted off for a few seconds. They might have a blank stare, or stop talking or moving.

Simple partial seizures are the ones that can feature a wide variety of sensory distortions -- things like deja vu, visual hallucinations or disturbances, phantom smells/sounds, unexplained feelings of dread or nausea, etc. The person is fully conscious during a simple partial seizure, so it would be more likely that they could recall how it felt and what the circumstances were when it happened.

 

[N Sperlo]

In addition to what Nakamova mentioned, it is not uncommon for a doctor to misdiagnose the two. I was diagnosed with absence seizures when I was actually having simple partial or complex partial seizures. I think Nakamova explains them perfectly.

 

[Ivana28]

Ah thanks guys!