A seizure that takes the form of a staring spell. The person suddenly seems to be "absent." An absence seizure involves a brief loss of awareness, which can be accompanied by blinking or mouth twitching. Absence seizures have a very characteristic appearance on an electroencephalogram (EEG). Also called a petit mal seizure.

See petit mal seizure.

A primary generalized epileptic seizure, usually lasting less than 20 seconds, characterized by a stare sometimes associated with blinking or brief automatic movements of the mouth or hands; formerly [..]

brief seizes that are not usually recalled by the victim- usually lasting five to fifteen seconds- renders the victim limp and absent-minded- affecting people of all ages, but primary those from four [..]

An absence seizure (also known as a petit mal seizure) is a type of seizure disorder that is most commonly seen in children. It features phases of inattention characterized by stopping current actions [..]

An absence seizure is a type of generalized seizure (i.e. a seizure that affects both sides of the brain) that results in a temporary loss of perception of which the patient has no recollection.

A Childhood Seizure Disorder characterized by rhythmic electrical Brain discharges of generalized onset. Clinical features include a sudden cessation of ongoing activity usually without loss of postur [..]

<neurology> A type of seizure that in contrast to the grand mal seizure, are noted for their brevity and for the degree of loss of awareness (brief staring spell) accompanied by minimal motor manifestations. A common form of childhood epilepsy. (06 Oct 1997)

(medicine) A type of seizure indicative of petit mal epilepsy. Brief seizure lasting up to 30 seconds involving vacantness and lack of awareness, possibly including twitching; not including spasm or [..]