Definition:
Petit mal seizure, otherwise known as absence seizure, is a condition which occurs mostly in children, and is characterized by episodes of momentary and sudden lapse of conscious activity.
Diagnosis:
In order to arrive at a diagnosis, a detailed description of the seizures experienced must be relayed to the physician. Blood tests, brain scans, and electroencephalography (EEG) may be conducted to confirm a diagnosis.
Treatment:
Medications which include ethosuximide, lamotrigine, and valproic acid are proven to be effective treatment for petit mal seizures.
Symptoms and Signs:
Among the symptoms of this condition are brief and sudden staring without unusual movement, fluttering eyelids, lip smacking, chewing, and hand movements.
Causes:
There is no known cause for petit mal seizures. It is theorized however, that some are simply susceptible to this disease, because of genetic factors.
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