What type of seizure is also known as 'petit mal'?

The term 'petit mal' refers specifically to absence seizures, which are characterized by brief episodes of impaired consciousness. During these episodes, a person may appear to be staring blankly for a few seconds and may not be aware of their surroundings or activity during the event. Unlike other seizure types, absence seizures do not involve significant physical convulsions or muscle spasms, which is a distinguishing feature that sets them apart from generalized seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, and complex seizures.

Absence seizures typically occur in children and are often mistaken for daydreaming. They can occur multiple times a day and resolve with age, but recognition of the signs is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and management. Understanding this distinction helps in identifying the different types of seizure disorders and highlights the unique characteristics of absence seizures compared to other seizure types.