Editing Absence seizure (section)

{{Short description|Type of generalized seizure}}
{{redirect|Petit mal|the Colombian drama film|Petit Mal}}
{{Infobox medical condition (new)
| name            = Absence seizure
| synonyms        = Petit mal seizures
| field           = [[Neurology]]
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'''Absence seizures''' are one of several kinds of [[Generalized epilepsy|generalized seizure]]s. Absence seizures are characterized by a brief loss and return of consciousness, generally not followed by a period of lethargy (i.e. without a notable [[postictal state]]). Absence seizures are most common in children. They affect both sides of the [[Cerebral hemisphere|brain]].<ref name="EpilepsyFoundation">{{Cite web|title=Absence Seizures|url=https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-seizures/absence-seizures|access-date=2021-12-18|website=Epilepsy Foundation|language=en}}</ref>

In the past, absence epilepsy was referred to as "pyknolepsy," a term derived from the Greek word "pyknos," signifying "extremely frequent" or "grouped".<ref name="Albuja 2021"/> These seizures are sometimes referred to as '''petit mal seizures''' (from the French for "little illness", a term dated to the late 18th century);<ref>{{cite journal |pages=175–8 |doi=10.1111/j.1528-1157.1968.tb04618.x |title=Reflections on the Concept of Petit Mal |year=1968 |last1=Daly |first1=D. D. |journal=Epilepsia |volume=9 |issue=3 |pmid=4975023 }}</ref> however, usage of this terminology is no longer recommended.<ref name="Albuja 2021"/> 

[[Childhood absence epilepsy]] represents a significant portion, accounting for approximately 10 to 17%, of all cases of childhood-onset epilepsy, establishing it as the most common form of pediatric epilepsy. This syndrome is characterized by daily occurrences of frequent but brief episodes of staring spells. These episodes typically commence between the ages of 4 and 8 years and manifest in otherwise seemingly healthy children. On classic electroencephalograms (EEGs), distinct patterns emerge, featuring generalized spike-wave bursts occurring at a frequency of 3&nbsp;Hz, accompanied by normal background brain activity. Despite sometimes being mistakenly perceived as a benign type of epilepsy, childhood absence epilepsy is associated with varying rates of remission. Children affected by this condition often experience cognitive deficits and encounter enduring psychosocial challenges in the long term.<ref name=pmid20200383/>