Petit mal seizures, also known as absence seizures, are a type of seizure characterized by staring into space for a few seconds. They can also include involuntary movements and flashing lights. They are a common symptom of epilepsy and can be triggered by stress and intense stimuli. Treatment involves anticonvulsant drugs, but the risks and side effects must be balanced with the impact of seizures on the patient’s life.
Petit mal seizures, also called absence seizures, are a type of seizure or periodic abnormal brain activity, manifested by staring into space for a few seconds. The petit mal designation comes from the French for “minor illness” and is distinguished from grand mal seizures or “major illness,” which cause seizures and loss of consciousness. While laymen still often refer to grand mal and petit mal seizures, these terms are considered obsolete by the medical community. Grand mal seizures are more correctly called tonic-clonic seizures.
In addition to staring into space, minor seizures can also include involuntary movements such as twitching or rapidly blinking or jerking of the arm. The sufferer may experience a sensation of flashing or flashing lights in their peripheral vision, often right before the seizure. It is possible for a person experiencing petit mal seizures to lose consciousness for a few seconds, usually experiencing some disorientation afterwards as a result. Some people move from place to place for no apparent purpose during a seizure.
Petit mal seizures are a common symptom of epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurring seizures. However, seizures can also occur due to fever, head injury, brain tumor, various neurological disorders, and as a reaction to medications. Epilepsy that presents as recurrent seizures is called absence epilepsy or pyknolepsy. When the first symptoms appear before the age of 12, the disorder may be called infantile absence epilepsy, while a case that appears during the patient’s adolescence is sometimes called juvenile absence epilepsy. Stress, bright lights, and other intense stimuli can trigger minor seizures, and these triggers are often very specific to each individual.
Petit mal seizures aren’t dangerous in and of themselves, but they can be a symptom of a serious medical condition. People who suffer from absence seizures often experience an inability to concentrate, however, which can interfere with their daily life. They are also at risk of accidental injury during periods of unconsciousness. Sufferers should not drive or participate in critical activities unless seizures are well controlled.
Absence epilepsy is treated with anticonvulsant drugs such as ethosuximide, lamotrigine, and sodium valproate. It is important to balance the risks and side effects of medications with the impact of seizures on the patient’s life. Some patients find petit mal seizures very destructive, and others do not. Whether the drug is worth the risk must be determined on a case-by-case basis. It’s also important to continue monitoring an absence seizure while taking medications, as symptoms may disappear or become much less frequent with age.
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