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Absence seizures are brief episodes of staring. “Absence” is pronounced ab-SAWNTZ. Another name for this type of seizure is petit mal (PET-ee mahl).
Absence seizures are very brief, and during them, awareness and responsiveness are impaired. People who have them usually don't realize when they've had one. There is no warning before a seizure, and the person is completely alert immediately afterward. They typically last less than 10 seconds, often less than 5 seconds.
Simple absence seizures only cause staring. Complex absence seizures also include a change in muscle activity. The most common movements are eye blinks. Other movements include slight chewing movements of the mouth, hand movements such as rubbing the fingers together, and contraction or relaxation of the muscles. Complex absence seizures are often more than 10 seconds.
Absence seizures can resemble some complex partial seizures or even daydreaming. Here are ways to tell absence seizures from daydreaming:
| Questions to Ask | Daydreaming | Seizures |
| How frequent are the episodes? | Not frequent. | Complex partial: Rarely more than several times per day or week. Absence: Could be many times per day. |
| In what situations do they occur? | Boring situation. | Any time, including during physical activity; often with hyperventilation (deep or rapid breathing). |
| Do they begin abruptly? | No. | Usually yes. Some complex partial seizures begin slowly with a warning. |
| Can they be interrupted? | Yes. | No. |
| How long do they last? | Until something interesting happens. | Complex partial: Up to several minutes Absence: Rarely more than 15-20 seconds |
| Does the person do anything during the episode? | Probably just stares. | Complex partial: A variety of movements or behaviors are common. Absence: Just stares. |
| What is the person like immediately after the episode? | Alert. | Complex partial: Confused. Absence: Alert. |
The most accurate way to diagnose absence seizures is with an EEG (electroencephalogram). Having the child breathe very rapidly often will produce an absence seizure. Images of the brain such as CT and MRI scans are usually normal in patients whose only seizure type is absence.
For more information:Continue to What Is a Seizure Emergency?
Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, MD and Patricia O. Shafer, RN, MN.
Last Reviewed:5/25/07
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