Adult onset seizures

[Violet50]

My daughter is 23 years old and is now in supported living. Her supporters have noticed her having absence seizures but we, her parents have never seen her have this type of seizure. I was wondering if these type of seizures can start at this age? She also has occipital epilepsy that she has had since a child but these other seizures are new.

[White25]

Hi can you tell me what an absence seizure is please, as they said my daughter had this also, but we never seen this with her, and found it hard to believe.

[MRVE in reply to White25]

epilepsysociety.org.uk/abou...

I'd recommend this page as a useful resource to understand about the different types of epilepsy.

[MRVE in reply to MRVE]

To add to the above, my daughter has generalised Epilepsy that is medically controlled. However, as a young child she tended to have absence seizures when she was unwell, such as UTIs. I personally didn't see them but school noted them.

[Mybestfriends in reply to MRVE]

I agree, there could be some sort of infection or something like constipation, that's not been noticed or checked for. Ladies problems etc

[CareBlogBlue in reply to White25]

My daughter was sent to see an educational psychologist when she was 13, as her concentration was poor, all he could come up with was that she was of average intelligence,was an "ugly dickling who would grow up to be a beautiful swan". No help at all!! She was put in the remedial class. In early adulthood she started having Tonic Clonic Seizures.A Neurologist confirmed that she has had epilepsy all her life. Her IQ is above average, but she remains on large doses of anti-convulsants to control the seizures. This has caused her to having difficulties holding down a job. She worked for the NHS and they gave her a constuctive dismissal,as she was deemed to be a risk to patients. This has resulted in her having a low self esteem,and depression. I continue to "fight her corner". She now does voluntary work, and exists on benefits. Life is cruel sometimes. Insist on a full review and diagnosis as soon as possible. Being on the right medication can help a lot. My thoughts are with you.

[Mybestfriends]

I'm not really knowledgeable in Epilepsy or Seizures, but I would of thought, look into her Stress levels, as in her living situation, are they treating her Well, is she getting emotional about something going on there. Remember who your daughter is & how things effect her. You know her better than anyone. Hope someone can help you more on here, comments etc.

[Bluey203 in reply to Mybestfriends]

I agree, stress can cause behaviours that appear like an absent seizure.My son when younger would stare at the wall or an object and would ignore any attempt to gain his attention, it was his way of coping with either a pain or stressful surroundings, he still does it occasionally now, normally when due a poo. His teachers in school thought it could be absent seizures, but he found noisy classrooms with lots of voices stressful, it was his way of feeling in control and coping with the situation by blocking things out.

[CareBlogBlue]

Absences can be confused with day dreaming. You could contact Epilepsy Action for information and advice. Advise speaking to your GP also.