Atypical absence seizure

What it means

An atypical absence seizure is a type of generalized non-motor (absence) seizure characterized by interruption of ongoing activities and reduced responsiveness. In comparison to a typical absence seizure, changes in tone may be more pronounced, onset and/or cessation may be less abrupt, and the duration of the ictus and post-ictal recovery may be longer. Although not always available, an EEG often demonstrates slow (<3 Hz), irregular, generalized spike-wave activity.

in 2017 the ILAE Commission for Classification and Terminology recommended classifying a seizure as having focal or generalized onset only when there is a high degree of confidence (over 80%, arbitrarily chosen to parallel the usual allowable beta error) in the accuracy of this determination; see Dialeptic seizure.

Rare diseases that can present with this13

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Atypical absence · Atypical absence seizures · Atypical petit mal seizures