What defines absence seizures?

Absence seizures are characterized by a brief and sudden interruption in consciousness, which can last just a few seconds. During these episodes, individuals typically exhibit a transient loss of awareness without accompanying physical movements. Commonly, absence seizures may appear as if the person is staring blankly into space or is momentarily unresponsive, yet they do not engage in any significant physical activity during the episode. This distinguishes them clearly from other types of seizures that may involve physical movements or confusion. Understanding this specific definition is crucial when identifying absence seizures in clinical settings or when assessing patients with various neurological conditions.