Children who have absence seizures look like they are staring into space. They may open and close their lips loudly or make chewing motions, rub their fingers together, or flutter their eyelids. After the seizure, the child has no memory of the seizure. 

Many children outgrow absence seizures in their teens. A neurologist (a doctor who specializes in problems of the brain and spinal cord) can help find what treatment, if any, is needed.

• The neurologist will help you create a plan for your child and talk to you about:
  • what medicines your child should take
  • if any "triggers" (such as fever, lack of sleep, or medicines) can make a seizure more likely
  • precautions your child should take while swimming (never swimming alone), bathing (showers only, no baths, and keep the bathroom door unlocked), or riding a bike (always wear a helmet and never bike alone)
  • if it's OK for your teen to drive
  • whether your child needs to wear a medical alert bracelet
  • following up with all medical appointments 
• Make sure the school nurse and teachers know about your child's seizures.
• If your child has an absence seizure:
  • Speak softly during the seizure.
  • Don't shake your child or try to get their attention.
  • If your child is walking, gently place your hands on their shoulders from behind to prevent injury.
  • Stay with your child during the seizure. If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, stay with your child and ask someone else to call 911.

Your child:

• has more seizures or seizures that seem different
• your child is taking medicine and has side effects such as a rash, belly pain, sores around the mouth, sore throat, easy bruising or bleeding a lot, or fever

Your child:

• has a tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure (a seizure with jerking movements of the whole body)
• has a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or has repeated seizures

What causes absence seizures? Many times, the cause of absence seizures is not known. Sometimes seizures are from genetic changes. Children with absence seizures usually have a relative who has seizures too.

How can parents help their child get the best treatment? Be sure your child follows the health care provider's recommendations. If your child has another seizure, keep a record of:

• when it happened
• how long it lasted
• what happened right before the seizure
• what happened during and after the seizure

This information will help the health care provider find the best treatment for your child's seizures.

How can parents help? Reassure your child that they're not alone. Many people have seizures. Your health care provider can answer questions and offer support. They also might be able to recommend a local support group. Online organizations can help too, such as:

• Epilepsy Foundation: www.epilepsy.com
• CDC – Managing Epilepsy: www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/managing-epilepsy