Missing Child Epilepsy (EAC)

This article was written by Dr. Aursulesei Ruxandra, pediatric neurologist specialist with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating neurological conditions. Pediatric neurology plays an important role in the periodic neurological evaluation of premature infants, as well as of all newborns at risk of developing neurological sequelae, with the goal of early detection and treatment of any impairment of the nervous system.

What is childhood absence epilepsy (CAE)?

It is an epileptic syndrome, of genetic cause, characterized by the predominant occurrence of absence-type seizures.

Can CAE be transmitted genetically?

Yes. Children frequently have a family history of epileptic seizures.

At what ages can CAE occur?

It most commonly occurs between ages 3 and 10, but in rare cases, it can also occur at age 1.

Centrokinetic is prepared for this specialization with a team of experienced doctors and the necessary equipment for diagnosis, monitoring and treatment. Find out more about pediatric neurology and book an appointment at Centrokinetic here.

What types of seizures can we encounter in childhood absence epilepsy?

We can encounter typical absence seizures at onset; later in the course of the disease, generalized tonic-clonic seizures and myoclonic seizures can occur.

Are there factors that trigger the seizures?

Yes, hyperventilation, being upset, anger, fear, surprise, lack of interest, decreased attention, hypoglycemia.

What is the psychomotor development of children with CAE?

CAE occurs in children with normal psychomotor development, but they may be associated with attention deficit or learning disorders.

What is the prognosis for CAE?

The prognosis is favorable. However, absence seizures can persist into adulthood in a small proportion of cases, and some adults (10-30%) may develop GTC seizures, but these usually respond to treatment. The presence of GTC seizures and myoclonias favors progression toward: Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy or Epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures.