absence seizures

[onlinequeen]

My son, 14, had a stroke in utero.  Had absence seizures at birth - phenobarbital for first 6 months; weened off with no problems thereafter.  Fast-forward to age 12:  complained about eyes twitching; eeg showed a little unusual spiking but neurologist didn't feel medication was necessary.  Age 14:  absence seizures increasing due to stress.  I saw him from a distance where his head went up, twitched and eyes fluttered for about 3-4 seconds.  He told me he has them 1-3 times a day and usually has warning.  

My question is:  because of his brain injury at birth, is it likely that these absence seizures will worsen?  Will they move to a more serious phase as in grand mal?  He is very afraid of the medications for epilepsy because he has seen close up what the meds have done to one of his best friends.  

I know I should take him to the doctor but I am wondering if there is any downside to waiting to see what happens over the next 6 months or so.  

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Absence seizures are also known as petit mal seizures, require medical treatment at the earliest as the child can sustain accidental injuries during this time. This is the primary goal of treatment. The secondary goal is to prevent these seizures from interfering with learning at school.
It is very possible that these seizures are a direct result of brain injury or neural damage that your son experienced in utero.
Accidental injuries are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in these children. Please schedule an appointment with a neurologist as soon as possible. Take care!

[onlinequeen]

Thank you!  I have called the neurologist to schedule a visit and a new EEG is also set.