A school nurse is teaching a parent about absence seizures. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

Rationale: A. Absence seizures begin abruptly and end just as suddenly. There is no gradual progression of symptoms. The child may be talking or engaged in an activity and suddenly “freeze” without warning. This sudden interruption is a key distinguishing feature from other neurological or behavioral conditions. B. Absence seizures are typically very brief, lasting about 5–15 seconds (sometimes up to ~20 seconds). During the episode, the child may have a blank stare, slight eyelid fluttering, or subtle automatisms (such as lip smacking), and then immediately resume normal activity with no postictal confusion. A duration of 30–60 seconds would be more suggestive of other seizure types. C. Absence seizures do not have an aura or warning signs. Auras are more characteristic of focal (partial) seizures where a localized brain region produces sensory or emotional premonitory symptoms (such as a strange smell, déjà vu, or tingling). In absence seizures, the onset is too rapid for a warning phase to occur. D. Absence seizures often appear as brief staring spells where the child suddenly stops activity, becomes unresponsive, and may blink or exhibit subtle facial movements. Because the episode is so short and the child quickly returns to baseline without confusion, teachers and parents may assume the child is simply daydreaming or not paying attention. This misinterpretation is very common, especially in school-aged children, which is why awareness is important for early recognition and treatment.