What is an absence seizure?

What is an absence seizure?

Absence seizures are brief seizures that cause a lapse in awareness. They typically start suddenly, without warning, and last a few seconds. They are common in children and are sometimes mistaken for daydreaming or not paying attention. Recovery is immediate.

These seizures are also known by an older term, petit mal seizures. This name is no longer encouraged by the medical community. Most childhood absence seizures can be controlled with medication.