Petit mal seizure

Alternative names:

absence seizure; seizure - absence; seizure - petit mal

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to maximize learning ability and prevent progression to more serious types of seizures. Treatment of identifiable causes may reduce or eliminate seizures.

Anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) medications may prevent or minimize the number of seizures. Response to medications is individual and the medication and dosage may have to be adjusted repeatedly. Follow-up for re-evaluation should occur at least yearly. Monitoring of plasma drug levels is important for continued control of seizures and reduction of medication side effects.

Petit-mal seizures usually respond to valproic acid, ethosuximide, and/or clonazepam. Absence status epilepticus (multiple frequently repeated seizures) is treated by intravenous diazepam (Valium), and other treatments as for status epilepticus of a generalized tonic-clonic seizure.

Expectations (prognosis):

Almost all children petit mal seizures have significantly fewer (or no) seizures with the use of medications. Petit mal seizures may stop spontaneously after the child reaches adulthood, they may continue indefinitely, or the person may progress to a grand mal seizure. Most people with petit mal seizures live a fairly normal life, with few restrictions on school activities or social life. As adulthood approaches, restrictions may be placed on driving or operating dangerous machinery if seizures continue.

Complications:

• learning disabilities
• absence status epilepticus
• injury from falls
• injury caused by seizure during driving/operating machinery
• side effects of medications (with or without symptoms)
• progression to generalized tonic-clonic seizure

Calling your health care provider:

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if a seizure lasts longer than 2 - 3 minutes. This is an emergency situation.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms of absence status epilepticus occur: prolonged changes in mental status such as confusion or poor responsiveness, prolonged seizure activity/unconscious activity, and automatic behaviors (people may eat or move without being aware of where they are or what they are doing). This may be an emergency situation.

Call your health care provider if this is the first time the person has had seizures.

Call your health care provider if this is a new type of seizure for the person or if other types of seizures begin occurring.

Call your health care provider if any new symptoms occur, including possible side effects of medications such as changes in mental status (drowsiness, restlessness, confusion, sedation, or others), nausea & vomiting, rash, loss of hair, tremors or abnormal movements, or problems with coordination.