II. Precautions
- Adults with what appears to be Absence Seizures (Petit Mal Seizure) are likely having Partial Seizures
III. Epidemiology
- Almost exclusively occurs between age 5 and 18
- Rare before age 2 years or after adolescence
IV. Causes
- Inherited idiopathic Seizure Disorder
- Secondary Seizure Disorder
- Vascular Malformation
- Infectious disease
- Neoplasm
- Toxic brain disease
V. Symptoms and Signs
- Vacant, dazed facial expression
- Staring
- Impaired Consciousness
- Pallor
- Timing of episodes
- Occur Multiple times per day
- Brief interruption of current activity
- Short spells last 10 seconds
- Rhythmic activity
- Eye blinking
- Head movement
- Autonomic symptoms
- Incontinence of urine or stool
- Loss of postural control
- Unusual postictal activity
- Picking at clothes
- Pursing lips
VI. Differential Diagnosis
VII. Diagnosis: Electroencephalogram
- Bilateral, synchronous and symmetric pattern
- Three hertz wave-spike Dysrhythmia over Frontal Lobe
VIII. Course
- Most patients will cease Absence Seizures by age 20
- Absence Seizures began in childhood
- Seizures not due to secondary cause
- Untreated Absence Seizures progress in 33% of patients
IX. Management: Prophylaxis
X. Management: Prophylaxis for Children (age <16 years)
- Level A evidence
- Level C evidence
XI. Management: Prophylaxis for Younger Adults (age >16 years)
- Level C evidence
- Level D evidence