what happens if absence seizures go untreated

Untreated absence seizures can get worse over time and may affect learning, development, or behavior. Absence seizures can lead to learning problems and may increase the risk of injury because of the frequent impairment of consciousness and the fact that they occur without any warning. In one study, 27% of children with absence epilepsy reported accidental injury during an absence seizure. Seizures can interfere with learning, which can impact school performance. Therefore, prompt treatment is important to control the seizures and prevent any further complications. Doctors treat absence seizures with anti-seizure medicines, and most children can get complete seizure control by taking the medicine. About 60% of children outgrow absence seizures in their teens, especially if medicine has worked well to control their seizures.