Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Absence seizure
Brief seizure causing sudden loss of awareness without convulsive movements.
Full Definition
Absence seizures are characterized by sudden onset and offset of impaired consciousness, typically lasting seconds, without associated motor manifestations beyond possible mild automatisms or eye fluttering. Previously called 'petit mal' seizures, these episodes are most common in childhood epilepsy syndromes. Editors must distinguish absence seizures from complex partial seizures, as they have different EEG patterns, treatment responses, and prognostic implications.
Usage
Usage note: Avoid outdated 'petit mal' terminology. Distinguish from behavioral staring episodes.
In Context
- "Typical absence seizures occurred multiple times daily with 3-Hz spike-wave discharges." — Pediatric neurology report
- "The teacher noticed brief absence seizures during classroom activities." — School observation report
Also known as
petit mal seizure
Contrasted with
tonic-clonic seizure
focal seizure
Don't confuse with
complex partial seizure
staring spells