Absence seizures are often mistaken for daydreaming. But they’re more than that - they’re real, and they can be confusing, frustrating, and sometimes scary.
We asked young people and families to describe what an absence seizure feels like. Their words are honest, powerful, and full of insight. Whether you’re living with epilepsy, supporting someone who is, or just want to understand better - this is for you.
What is an absence seizure?
Absence seizures are brief and subtle. You've described it to us as when you suddenly stop what you're doing and stare into space. Sometimes you keep walking or talking, unaware it’s happening.
Here’s what you might see:
- Blank staring or daydreaming.
- Repetitive movements like blinking or chewing.
- No response for a few seconds.
- Quick recovery, often with no memory of the event.
They can happen many times a day and are easy to miss - but they’re important to recognise and understand.
Why this matters
These stories come from your community - young people, parents, siblings, and carers. They’ve lived it. They know what it feels like. And they’re sharing so others can understand, support, and act.
In Your Words: Powerful quotes from your community
These quotes come from our social media community, the Youth Voice Network, and Young Epilepsy’s own resources - real people, real experiences, and real strength.
It feels like your mind shuts down and you then feel really tired.
A young person describing the mental fog and fatigue that follows an absence seizure.
Like I’m under water. I can see and hear everything going on but can’t react or move.
A vivid metaphor for the disconnection and helplessness some feel during a seizure.
When I have my absences I feel like I’m nowhere. Afterwards I ask my Mum and Dad where I am or where we’re going.
A child’s honest reflection on the confusion and fear that can follow.
Life around me just pauses and it feels like I’m not in control of my body.
A powerful description of how absence seizures interrupt everyday life.
It feels like time has paused for a couple of seconds.
A simple but striking way to explain the experience to others.
I go absent, I start doing unusual things. Just keep an eye on me and I’ll be okay. There’s nothing you need to do.
From the Youth Voice Network. A reassuring message from someone who knows what they need.
Sometimes I might just stare off into space and not respond for a few seconds - that’s called an absence seizure.
A clear and relatable explanation for young people.
Blacking out for a few seconds or silent and keep walking or continuing what I was doing.
A reminder that absence seizures don’t always look dramatic - but they’re still real.
I would say that an absence seizure is like daydreaming. I remember what I was doing beforehand but not the seizure itself.
A young person explaining the memory gap that often comes with absence seizures.
When I have an absence seizure, it looks like I’m daydreaming or staring off into space. My eyes hurt or briefly shake.
A helpful description of physical signs that can help others recognise what’s happening.
These quotes come from our social media community, the Youth Voice Network, and Young Epilepsy’s own resources - real people, real experiences, and real strength.
How to help someone having an absence seizure
You told us what really helps when you're having a seizure, and we listened. This guidance is shaped by a powerful mix of lived experience and clinically informed expert advice, coming together to help others know what to do.
To help someone who is having an absence seizure, follow these steps:
- Stay with them and make sure they’re safe.
- Move any hazards, like furniture, out of the way.
- Don’t move them unless it’s absolutely necessary, for example, if they are close to a hazard that cannot be moved, like an open fire, roads or open water.
- Be calm and reassuring, even if you think they can't hear you. This isn’t always easy, but it’s very important, especially when the person is recovering from the seizure and looking to you for reassurance.
- Don’t try to hold them down or try to bring them round.
- Make sure they’re okay and haven’t hurt themself.
- Listen to how they want to be supported.
- They usually feel okay after a seizure, but if they’ve had a lot of them, they might feel a bit confused.
- Explain anything that they’ve missed.
Call an ambulance if they’ve seriously injured themself.
Share Your Story!
If you’d like to share your thoughts on how you would describe atonic seizures, or if you have tips for others, get in touch with Young Epilepsy. Your voice can help others feel less alone and more understood.
