The human brain operates by an intricate net of connections between individual cells called neurons. These neurons communicate with each other through microscopic bursts of electrical activity, billions of which occur each second, controlling our actions and thoughts. Abnormal bursts of this electrical energy produce disorganized and jumbled signals that upset the communication between neurons. What causes these jumbled signals is usually a mystery. The term epilepsy is used to describe recurrent seizures for which a cause cannot be found.
Seizures can take many forms.
The youngster simply stares for a few seconds, unaware of what is happening to them. Although these episodes last only a few seconds, they can occur hundreds of times each day. These little seizures happen so quickly that the youngster and people around them may not even notice the episode. Often parents and teachers think the child is just daydreaming. The difference is that absence seizures start suddenly, last a few seconds, and then stop suddenly allowing the child to go on with what they were doing as if nothing has happened.