EXPERTS have warned about a form of epilepsy with symptoms so subtle most sufferers don’t realize they have it – after footballer Jamal Musiala collapsed on the pitch for the second time in four days.

The Bayern Munich winger fell to the floor eight minutes after coming on as a substitute in a friendly with Heidenheim on Tuesday night.

Jamal Musiala fell over during Tuesday’s match and required treatment by FCB team doctor Credit: Getty

The incident occurred during the preseason friendly match between Heidenheim and Bayern München Credit: Getty

The 23-year-old experienced a similar scare during Saturday’s friendly against RB Leipzig.

But Musiala, who played for England at youth level, has insisted he is “doing well” and the condition is “easily treatable”.

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In an Instagram post, he said: “First things first, I am doing well. I am incredibly grateful for your messages and your support.

“I understand that many of you are worried. I would like to put those concerns to rest today and explain the situation.

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“I’ve been diagnosed with temporary, brief, but easily treatable absence seizures, which are due to a neurological dysfunction.

“These can lead to the recent episodes, like the one against Leipzig or now in Heidenheim.

“I know they seem scary at first glance – but for me, they’re currently just part of my everyday life. I’m receiving excellent medical treatment and am very optimistic.

“FC Bayern and my family and friends are always by my side and supporting me on this journey.

“Importantly, there are no further health risks.

“In close consultation and regular communication with the experts, it was my personal wish to face this challenge and, with the clearance from the neurologists, to continue focusing on what helps me most in my recovery: simply living my daily life and pursuing my passion for playing football.”

Absence seizures, formerly known as petit-mal seizures, are a type of epileptic seizure.

Typically diagnosed during childhood, they are caused by a temporary neurological lapse where the brain pauses electric signals.

What are the signs of an absence seizure?

According to Epilepsy Action, during an absence seizure, you usually suddenly stop what you are doing and stare.

You are not aware of what is going on around you and it may appear like you are daydreaming.

Four key symptoms of typical absence seizures include:

Loss of awareness

Staring blankly

Looking like you are “daydreaming”

Repetitive facial movements such as chewing or eye blinking

Typical absence seizures are short. They usually last around 10 to 20 seconds and you may be momentarily confused for a few seconds before returning to normal.

Atypical absence seizures, meanwhile, last longer around 20 seconds or more, have a slower onset and offset and involve different symptoms.

They still begin with staring to space, usually with a blank look, the Epilepsy Foundation says.

But there is then usually a change in muscle tone and movement.

This can include:

Blinking over and over that may look like fluttering of the eyelids

Smacking the lips or chewing movements

Rubbing fingers together or making other hand motions

Experts say absence seizures are some of the most commonly missed and mistaken seizures, often confused for daydreaming.

This is because of their brief nature and lack of obvious characteristics.

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and leaves patients at risk of seizures.
Around one in 100 people in the UK have epilepsy, Epilepsy Action statistics reveal.
Anyone can have a seizure, which does not automatically mean they have epilepsy.
Usually more than one episode is required before a diagnosis.
Seizures occur when there is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain, which causes a disruption to the way it works.
Some seizures cause people to remain alert and aware of their surroundings, while others make people lose consciousness.
Some also make patients experience unusual sensations, feelings or movement, or go stiff and fall to the floor where they jerk.
Epilepsy can be brought on at any age by a stroke, brain infection, head injury or problems at birth that lead to lack of oxygen.
But in more than half of cases, a cause is never found.
Anti-epileptic drugs do not cure the condition but help to stop or reduce seizures.
If these do not work, brain surgery can in some cases be effective.
Source: Epilepsy Action

Who is most at risk?

Absence seizures are most common in children, with the average age of diagnosis between four and 10 years old.

In most cases, the reason for the seizures is unknown.

But research suggests that genetic factors and brain injury may play some role in the development of absence seizures.

Some people, however, have absence seizures for many months or years before it’s recognized as a problem. 

The medicines most commonly used for absence seizures include ethosuximide, lamotrigine, valproic acid, or divalproex sodium Credit: Glaxo Wellcome

Can you prevent absence seizures?

As the cause of most absence seizures is unknown, the condition cannot be prevented.

Preventing head trauma, for instance, by wearing a helmet when biking, may be helpful to prevent some cases of epilepsy marked by absence seizures.

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, in roughly seven out of 10 children with absence seizures, the seizures may go away by age 18.

If this happens, medicines may not be needed as an adult. 

How can absence seizures be treated?

Certain anti-seizure medicines can help prevent absence seizures.

Usually these are recommended for most children.

The medicines most commonly used for absence seizures include ethosuximide (Zarontin), lamotrigine (Lamictal), valproic acid (Depakene), or divalproex sodium (Depakote).

Most children with absence epilepsy eventually outgrow the condition without complications.

Children who start having absence seizures before age 9 are much more likely to outgrow them than children whose absence seizures start after age 10, the Epilpesy Foundation says.

In most cases, there is no long-term effect on brain development or brain function.