What are the symptoms of “petit mal”?
We observe that the child suddenly loses contact with reality. For example, he is talking or playing and he stops abruptly, without reacting, even if he is called or touched. Then he resumes his activity exactly where it left off. He forgot what happened during the time of “absence”. There are no other symptoms and nothing announces the seizures.
How long can an absence last?
On average, about ten seconds. Children with this disease do a lot: 20, 40 or even 100 a day. Absences that last more than 20 seconds do exist, but this is often another form ofepilepsy.
At what age does this form of epilepsy appear?
Usually around 6 years old. There are early forms that start at 4 years of age or a little earlier, but in this case it is actually another disease. However, “absences” may appear around the age of 10-12 years. The adolescent can then also suffer from tonic-clonic seizures (contractions of the body followed by violent shaking with sudden loss of consciousness). It is always unpleasant and very impressive for those around him, but it does not endanger his life.
Are there children more at risk?
This form of epilepsy can appear in any child without there being a way to predict it. Most often, these are children who show no particular signs. They have no neurological impairment or delay in psychomotor development. However, about one in two patients previously suffered from disturbance in attention. There are also genetic forms. In this case, there are several affected children within the same family, but this is rarer.
How is the disease diagnosed?
The description of the seizures by the entourage puts the doctor on the track. The clinical examination is normal. It is the electroencephalogram (EEG) that can confirm the diagnosis, showing specific electrical waves during absences.
What are the treatments ?
Antiepileptics are used to manage seizures well most of the time. Zarontin® is generally prescribed as a first-line treatment, which controls absences in 80% of cases. If it is poorly tolerated (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting which affects 10 to 20% of patients), Depakine®, an older antiepileptic, is used. This medicine can cause disturbance in attention, hyperactivity or personality change in 30-40% of patients.
Are they to be taken for life?
After two years without a seizure, the treatment is gradually stopped. The vast majority of patients will never be absent afterwards. However, some people have a seizure again when the treatment is stopped. Others will experience one or two tonic-clonic seizures (tremors) in their adulthood.