2006-11-19 13:45:59 · 4 answers · asked by Carla H 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/petit-mal-seizure/DS00216
Petit mal seizure — also known as absence seizure — is a type of seizure that most often occurs in children. An abnormal electrical discharge in the brain causes seizures. Other types of seizures include grand mal seizure and temporal lobe seizure.
Usually, a petit mal seizure involves only a brief, sudden lapse of conscious activity. Each seizure lasts only seconds or minutes, but hundreds may occur each day. During a petit mal seizure, small jerks sometimes occur involving the facial muscles or hands. A person who experiences a petit mal seizure can usually resume normal activities immediately after the seizure ends.
Repeated seizures characterize a seizure disorder known as epilepsy. Only a small percentage of people who have seizures will develop epilepsy. Medications can be effective in eliminating or reducing the number of seizures.
2006-11-19 13:47:47 · answer #1 · answered by Elisabeth R 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are siezures that do not have the characteristic body convulsions, like grande mal siezures.
2006-11-19 13:49:19 · answer #2 · answered by Equichick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think Petit mal refers to the length/ amount of seizing...Grand mal is, I believe, far more serious in nature...could be wrong though.
2006-11-19 13:48:43 · answer #3 · answered by too funny 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
seizures of any kind cause the person to "lose time". That person needs a neurologist
2006-11-19 13:50:28 · answer #4 · answered by LatterDaySaint and loving it 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋