|  | Conditions Treatments | Neurological Disorders

Signs & Symptoms of Petite Mal Seizures

Petite mal seizures, also known as absence seizures, are experienced by people with seizure disorders. A seizure disorder (epilepsy) is a neurological disorder caused by brief, strong electric impulses that affect all or part of the brain. This disorder can cause seizures that last mere seconds or up to a few minutes. Petite mal seizures are only one of numerous seizure types. If you or someone you know experiences petite mal seizures, be aware of these classic signs and symptoms--and how these seizures are diagnosed and controlled.

  1. Seizure Types

    • Seizures are classified under specific categories: Partial seizures (simple and complex), nonepileptic seizures, status epilepticus and generalized seizures. Petite mal seizures are a type of generalized seizure--as are atonic, tonic-clonic and myoclonic seizures. A generalized seizure is one in which both hemispheres of the brain are affected by electric surges.

    Signs of Petite Mal Seizures

    • Signs of petite mal seizures are physical presentations noticed by others. Someone who is having a petite mal seizure may suddenly stop talking mid-sentence and exhibit a blank stare and lack of movement. In longer petite mal seizures, automatisms may be noted, such as lip smacking, chewing, fumbling or picking at clothing. Sometimes the eyes will flutter during a petite mal seizure. Petite mal seizures typically last from two to 15 seconds.

    Symptoms of Petite Mal Seizures

    • While signs are what other people notice, symptoms of petite mal seizures are what a person feels and experiences. Because these seizures are very abrupt and result in temporary lapses in consciousness, often a person who experiences a petite mal seizure will be unaware that she has had the seizure. After the seizure is over, she may resume what she was doing as though nothing has happened and have no memory of the seizure.

    Petite Mal Seizure Dangers in Children

    • Because petite mal seizures are fleeting and often undetectable, they can occur in children as often as 50 to 100 times per day. Petite mal seizures can interfere with a child's ability to function and learn in an educational environment--often these deficits may initially be attributed to a behavioral problem. Sometimes it is several months before a child undergoes medical evaluation.

    Diagnosing and Treating Petite Mal Seizures

    • In addition to neurological and behavioral examination, blood testing and neuropsychological testing, a common method of diagnosing a seizure disorder is through an electroencephalogram (EEG). An EEG records abnormal brain wave activity through electrodes that are attached to the scalp. Other tests, such as a CT scan and MRI can eliminate other neurological disorders that can cause seizures. Most people remain seizure-free by using a single anti-epileptic drug--but establishing the right drug protocol can take time. A physician will probably prescribe one drug at a time to see what best eliminates or reduces petite mal seizures, starting with a low dosage of the drug and increasing it until seizures are controlled.

Neurological Disorders - Related Articles