Absence seizure

Absence seizures (petit mal) are a form of generalised epilepsy that is mostly seen in children. The typical age of onset of 3-10 years old and girls are affected twice as commonly as boys

Features

• absences last a few seconds and are associated with a quick recovery
• seizures may be provoked by hyperventilation or stress
• the child is usually unaware of the seizure
• they may occur many times a day
• EEG: bilateral, symmetrical 3Hz spike and wave pattern

Management

• sodium valproate and ethosuximide are first-line treatment
• good prognosis - 90-95% become seizure free in adolescence