Petit mal seizure

Brief, sudden lapses of consciousness.

Overview

Petit mal seizures are more common in children than in adults. Many children outgrow them, but some children develop other types of seizures.

Symptoms

Someone having an absence seizure may appear to stare into space for a few seconds. Other symptoms include lip smacking, eyelid fluttering, and chewing motions.

Treatments

Absence seizures can be controlled with anti-seizure medication.