$Unique_ID{BRK01638}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Are Dazed Periods a Sign of Epilepsy?}
$Subject{epilepsy EEG child care Mental Emotional Conditions Dazed seizures
daydreaming blinking uncontrollably waving arms EEGs electrical brain
electroencephalograph absence petit mal seizure epileptics epileptic children
Condition Daze daydream blink arm electroencephalographs}
$Volume{E-1,S-1}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Are Dazed Periods a Sign of Epilepsy?


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QUESTION:  I am greatly concerned about the actions of my five year old boy,
who seems to have seizures in which he falls into a deep daydreaming state for
a very short time.  Sometimes he begins blinking uncontrollably or waving his
arms, although he seems to have no control.  I've taken him to testing (EEG),
but they haven't found anything.  Is it possible he has epilepsy, as the
doctor thinks, even though they can't find it?  I know these dazed periods are
a sign of epilepsy, because my grandfather had it.

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ANSWER:  It is indeed possible that your son has a form of epilepsy--a
condition that is produced by uncontrolled electrical discharges in the brain.
Sometimes the EEG (electroencephalograph) fails to diagnose this disturbance.
The EEG is a machine that measures brain waves picked up by wires placed on
the head.  Sometimes, the electrical change in the brain, which triggers the
epileptic seizure, takes place in such a deep part of the brain that the tiny
wires of the EEG on the scalp fail to record the change.  The type of seizures
you've described are known as "absence" or "petit mal" seizures.
     If your son continues to appear to experience them, he might be best
having a 24-hour long EEG, which can be done in a hospital.  This full day of
monitoring frequently helps pick up signs of epilepsy that might otherwise go
unnoticed.  It is also important for you to follow the counsel of your own
physician who seems to have the correct diagnosis.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.