Petit Mal Seizure

So-called petit mal, or absence seizures, is a type of epilepsy characterized by brief episodes in which the person momentarily loses connection with the surroundings, as if they went "blank" for a few seconds. It usually appears in childhood.

How it presents: During the episode the child stops what they are doing, stares, and does not respond; when it ends they resume the activity without remembering what happened. It can occur several times a day and is sometimes mistaken for distraction.

Why does it occur? It is related to brief, abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, frequently with a hereditary component.

Who evaluates it? The neurologist, or the pediatrician when it involves children, is the one to study these episodes. If you notice that a child "zones out" repeatedly, it is advisable to discuss it with one of these professionals for a timely evaluation.