MyEpilepsyTeam

Staring into space can happen to anyone — it's a pretty human thing to do when daydreaming or zoning out. However, for people with epilepsy, staring spells can sometimes be a type of seizure called an absence seizure, and there are some key differences worth knowing about.

With regular daydreaming, you can usually snap Show Full Answer

Staring into space can happen to anyone — it's a pretty human thing to do when daydreaming or zoning out. However, for people with epilepsy, staring spells can sometimes be a type of seizure called an absence seizure, and there are some key differences worth knowing about.

With regular daydreaming, you can usually snap yourself out of it — just like you described. With absence seizures, the person typically cannot be interrupted or redirected during the episode. They may also have no memory of it afterward.

Some signs that a staring spell might be seizure-related include:

- Lasting up to 15 seconds
- Happening suddenly and without warning
- Eyelid fluttering
- Lip smacking
- Facial muscle twitching
- Sudden hand movements
- Pausing mid-sentence

The fact that you can shake yourself out of it is a good sign, but since your students are noticing it too, it's definitely worth mentioning to your neurologist. They can help determine whether what you're experiencing is simply daydreaming or something that needs closer attention.

It's always better to bring it up and have peace of mind than to wonder! 😊

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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