Thursday, February 12, 2009

Absence, Petite and Isa - what do they all have in common?

They both describe a type of seizure. Absence Seizures, also known as Petite Mal Seizures. They aren't seizures in the way that one thinks when they hear the word seizure - where the person is on the ground, and you have to put something on the tongue so that they dont choke on it.

Absence seizures are episodes of staring. When the person is in the middle of the seizure, they dont respond, and they arent aware of what is going on around them. They don't know that they just had an episode either. I am assuming that it is a form of epilepsy, because in most of my internet research, it is listed in the epilepsy websites.

We thought maybe Isa had this problem before, and we mentioned it to the pediatrician, and for some reason that I can't remember, nothing was done. But because it keeps happening, I am now doing research online trying to get information (and get it translated into spanish) so that I can get her seen in Honduras and get an EEG done on her.

From what I have read it doesn't look to be something that is super serious, and in most cases it disappears by the age of 18. However it can interfere with learning and other day to day things. (which makes sense - I mean if I was basically blanking out 20 times a day, I am sure that I would have a hard time learning what was being taught to me as well). So hopefully I can find a doctor I trust in Honduras who can do the EEG on her, and we can set up a plan to help her out - and I am taking a list of medications that are given for this, so that I know what is the right medicines.

Here are two pictures of Isa, and you can sort of see her in the second one where she is having an episode. I didn't notice it when I took the picture, but looking at the picture later, I could see it in her eyes.



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This is my normal Isa. She is making eye contact, and is right there with you.

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This is Isa during one of her episodes, where she is sort of unfocused and not there.
each link takes you to a different site that gives different information about Absence Seizures.
Other links about Absence Seizures:

8 comments:

CancunCanuck said...

Wow, I hope you can find a doctor to check her out! I know zero about these conditions, but I do know that I would probably worry if it were Max.

(Side note, have you received any of my mails? Is your mail server blocking cancuncanuck as junk? Or are you super busy? Let me know, I just wanted YOU to know that I haven't ignored you in case you didn't receive the mails!)

Heather said...

Wow you really can see the difference. I have no tips or hints, but pray you find some answers.
-h

Kami said...

Jen, I was reading this blog and this is what I found in my Med. Language book(Im in school for medical billing)

Absence Seizures (Petit Mal Siezures) are a minor form of seizure consisting of momentary clouding of conciousness and loss of awareness of the persons surroundings. Drug therapy (anticonvulsants) is used for the control of epileptic seizures. So by reading that I would assume it is a Minor form of epilepsy, I would have it checked out, I have an Uncle and cousin with severe epilepsy but I now wonder if I suffer/ed from this same thing you think Isa has. I know for a fact that I do this, and still even now.

Karen said...

I've heard of that. I hope you can get a good doctor that can help. Poor little thing.

3LittleFlowers said...

Looking forward to hear updates about this.... It sounds very familiar.

Anonymous said...

wow !!!!! I hope you find out hun....I never really thought anything of it ...but my daughter does the same thing....i just thought she was ignoring me or just staring off into space....I think im going to look into this too!

Honduras Sprout said...

Oh my. Wow. I hope something can be figured out. Finding a doctor, medications, etc if that is what is needed.

pkgiftshop said...

I've known about that. I trust you can get a decent specialist that can help. Helpless seemingly insignificant detail. asthma attack!