After collapsing on Tuesday, Musiala shared an Instagram statement explaining that seizures have become a regular part of his daily life.
Absence seizures are a form of generalised seizure most frequently experienced by children and younger adults.
They are generally classified into two categories: typical and atypical absence seizures.
Dr Meneka Sidhu, a consultant neurologist at London’s National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, explained that typical episodes often last only a few seconds. During that time, the individual may seem to be staring blankly or lost in thought.
During an absence seizure, awareness can be impaired to different degrees. The affected person may become unresponsive and, in some cases, lose their balance while the episode is happening.
“An episode may be extremely brief, allowing someone to carry on as though nothing occurred,” she said. “Atypical seizures tend to continue for longer and may involve involuntary actions such as hand fidgeting, fluttering eyelids or repeated lip movements. In certain cases, the individual may fall.”
Multiple absence-seizure episodes occurring across a period longer than 24 hours may point to epilepsy, though medication can help control the seizures.
“People living with epilepsy should make an effort to recognise what brings on their seizures,” Dr Sidhu added. “For athletes, possible triggers can include dehydration and rapid or excessive breathing.
“When the condition is properly controlled, absence seizures should not prevent someone from participating in sport.”
Other high-level athletes have also successfully managed the same condition experienced by Musiala.
Rugby player Tommy Freeman began experiencing absence seizures when he was 14. He was subsequently diagnosed with epilepsy and now controls it with medication while continuing to represent Northampton and England.
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