absence seizures
Last reviewed 01/2018
Absence seizures or Petit mal is a form of primary generalised epilepsy that is seen mostly in children.
Patients with absences in childhood may not suffer them as an adult. However, a proportion of patients may go on to develop primary generalized seizures.
The EEG shows a characteristic 3 cycle per second spike and wave activity, which may be stimulated by hyperventilation.
clinical features of absence seizures