Absence Seizures

Absence seizures, formerly known as petit mal seizures, are a type of epilepsy. They are characterized by brief episodes of staring, during which a person may seem to be lost in thought and unresponsive. The episodes can last from seconds to minutes and vary in frequency from person to person. Absence seizures are most common in children aged 4-14 and can have a significant impact on learning and development. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, such as avoiding sleep deprivation and stress, as well as medications such as valproic acid or ethosuximide. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for reducing the impact of absence seizures and improving quality of life.