Absencen episodes raise health questions for Bayern’s Jamal Musiala
Bayern‑Star Jamal Musiala suffered two on‑field collapses within a few days, prompting alarm over his health. The 23‑year‑old German national player later used Instagram to explain the episodes as “Absencen”, short neurological outages, and addressed the possible Folgen for his career.
Two on‑field collapses
On Tuesday, FC‑Bayern‑Star Jamal Musiala, a German Nationalspieler, was introduced in the 61st minute of the Bundesliga Spiel against the Zweitligisten 1. FC Heidenheim. Within minutes he collapsed on the Spielfeld, was examined by medical staff and left the pitch appearing dazed. The incident marked the first of two collapses in a span of Tage.
A second episode occurred on Saturday during a test match against RB Leipzig, when the offensive player again fell to the ground on the Spielfeld. This Zweimal collapse reinforced concerns after the first incident.
Absencen explained and implications
Musiala posted on Instagram, stating “Es gehe mir gut, aber ich habe Absencen”. He described the Grund as short neurological Ausfälle that are well treatable and assured there is no additional health risk. He expressed Glück that he is in the best medical hands, easing Sorge about his Gesundheit.
Neurologist Evelyn Berger‑Sieczkowski explained that an Absence episode typically begins suddenly, lasts a few seconds up to about 20 seconds, and may involve a blank stare, occasional eyelid twitch or facial movement. Such Fälle occur on the Feld without prior warning, a Besondere feature of this condition. She noted that the person often retains awareness . Berger‑Sieczkowski emphasized that the term Absencen is used colloquially and does not automatically indicate epilepsy. No specific medical information about Musiala’s condition has been released beyond his own statement. The doctor clarified that the condition is not necessarily linked to a chronic epileptic disorder.
Absence epilepsy accounts for roughly 10 to 15 percent of all epilepsy cases in children and adolescents, with a prevalence of six to eight per 100 000 youngsters. In many young adults the disorder enters remission, and medication can control 70 to 80 percent of cases. Treatment usually involves ion‑channel blockers, which are generally well tolerated.
Berger‑Sieczkowski also clarified, welche Folgen für den Sportler zu erwarten seien, and concluded they are minimal for football. She added that only sports demanding instant reaction such as Paragleiten, Fallschirmspringen, Klettern, Schwimmen or Motorsport could be hazardous. Thus the Folgen for Musiala’s Bundesliga career with Bayern are minimal, alleviating Sorge and preserving his Gesundheit. The accompanying photo was taken by Michael Weber of IMAGEPOWER.