Absence seizure

Absence seizure
Other namesPetit mal seizures
Pronunciation
SpecialtyNeurology

Absence seizures are one of several kinds of generalized seizures. In the past, absence epilepsy was referred to as "pyknolepsy," a term derived from the Greek word "pyknos," signifying "extremely frequent" or "grouped".[1] These seizures are sometimes referred to as petit mal seizures (from the French for "little illness", a term dated to the late 18th century);[2] however, usage of this terminology is no longer recommended.[1] Absence seizures are characterized by a brief loss and return of consciousness, generally not followed by a period of lethargy (i.e. without a notable postictal state). Absence seizures are most common in children. They affect both sides of the brain.[3][4]

Childhood absence epilepsy represents a significant portion, accounting for approximately 10 to 17%, of all cases of childhood-onset epilepsy, establishing it as the most common form of pediatric epilepsy. This syndrome is characterized by daily occurrences of frequent but brief episodes of staring spells. These episodes typically commence between the ages of 4 to 8 years and manifest in otherwise seemingly healthy children. On classic electroencephalograms (EEGs), distinct patterns emerge, featuring generalized spike-wave bursts occurring at a frequency of 3 Hz, accompanied by normal background brain activity. Despite sometimes being mistakenly perceived as a benign type of epilepsy, childhood absence epilepsy is associated with varying rates of remission. Children affected by this condition often experience cognitive deficits and encounter enduring psychosocial challenges in the long term.[5]

  1. ^ a b Albuja, A. C., & Khan, G. Q. (2022). Absence Seizure. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
  2. ^ Daly, D. D. (1968). "Reflections on the Concept of Petit Mal". Epilepsia. 9 (3): 175–8. doi:10.1111/j.1528-1157.1968.tb04618.x. PMID 4975023. S2CID 45169328.
  3. ^ "Absence Seizures". Epilepsy Foundation. Retrieved 2021-12-18.
  4. ^ "Ethosuximide - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics". www.sciencedirect.com. Retrieved 2021-12-18.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference pmid20200383 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).