Absence Seizures (Petit Mal): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Updated: 2 hours ago
TL;DR
An absence seizure (also called a petit mal seizure) is a brief, sudden lapse of consciousness that looks like a vacant stare lasting about 10 seconds. These seizures are most common in children between ages 4 and 14, are usually genetic, and can typically be controlled with antiseizure medicine. Many children outgrow absence seizures in their teens. Because the spells are short and subtle, they are often mistaken for daydreaming — which is why a child's falling school performance may be the first clue.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: September 2026. Based on clinical reference pages reviewed January 21, 2025; medical information changes over time, so always confirm current guidance with a licensed clinician.
Quick Answer
What are absence (petit mal) seizures? Absence seizures are brief lapses of consciousness that cause a vacant stare, usually lasting about 10 seconds, with a quick return to alertness and no confusion afterward. Key facts:
Absence seizures are brief, sudden lapses of consciousness, most common in children ages 4 to 14 and more common in females.
A typical spell lasts about 10 seconds (up to 30 seconds) and may include lip smacking, eyelid fluttering, chewing motions, finger rubbing, or small hand movements.
There is no confusion, headache, or drowsiness after the seizure, and the person usually has no memory of the episode.
Absence seizures usually have a genetic cause: electrical signals from brain cells repeat in a three-second pattern, and nearly 1 in 4 affected children has a close relative with seizures.
An EEG (electroencephalogram) records brain waves and confirms the diagnosis; hyperventilation during the test can trigger a spell.
First-line treatment is usually ethosuximide (Zarontin); valproic acid and lamotrigine (Lamictal) are alternatives.
Many children outgrow absence seizures in their teens, and some can taper off medicine after being seizure-free for two years.
What Is an Absence Seizure?
An absence seizure involves a brief, sudden lapse of consciousness. During a spell, the person stares blankly into space for a few seconds and then typically returns quickly to being fully alert. The term "petit mal" comes from French, meaning "little illness," and describes how brief and subtle these episodes are compared with full convulsive seizures.
Absence seizures are more common in children than in adults. They usually do not cause physical injury during the spell itself. However, injury can happen if a seizure occurs while someone is driving a car or riding a bike — a key safety reason to treat them seriously.
Most absence seizures can be managed with antiseizure medicines. Some children who have them also develop other seizure types, such as generalized tonic-clonic seizures (full convulsions, formerly called grand mal seizures) or myoclonic seizures. The good news is that many children outgrow absence seizures in their teens.
Figure 1: An absence seizure causes a brief stare with a quick return to alertness. Most spells last about 10 seconds, are usually managed with antiseizure medicines, and are outgrown by many children in their teens.
What Do Absence Seizure Symptoms Look Like?
A simple absence seizure causes a vacant stare that is frequently mistaken for a brief lapse in attention — a teacher may think the child is simply daydreaming. The seizure lasts about 10 seconds, though it may last as long as 30 seconds. Afterward, there is no confusion, headache, or drowsiness.
The hallmark behaviors during a spell include:
A sudden stop in activity without falling
Lip smacking
Eyelid flutters
Chewing motions
Finger rubbing
Small movements of both hands
After the spell, there is usually no memory of the incident. If the seizure is longer, the person may notice missing time. Some people have many episodes in a single day, which can interfere with schoolwork and daily activities.
Because the seizures are so brief, a child may have them for some time before an adult notices. A decline in a child's learning ability may be the first sign of the disorder. Teachers may report that the child has trouble paying attention or is often daydreaming.
Absence Seizure Symptoms at a Glance
Feature | What happens |
|---|---|
Stare | Vacant, blank gaze — often mistaken for daydreaming |
Duration | About 10 seconds; up to 30 seconds |
Movement | Sudden stop in activity without falling |
Small motions | Lip smacking, eyelid flutters, chewing motions, finger rubbing, small hand movements |
After the spell | No confusion, no headache, no drowsiness; quick return to alertness |
Memory | Usually none of the incident; longer spells may leave awareness of missed time |
Frequency | Can be many episodes per day |
First clue | Decline in learning ability, trouble paying attention, frequent "daydreaming" |
When Should You See a Doctor?
Acting early matters. Contact your child's pediatrician if you are concerned your child may be having seizures, if your child already has epilepsy and develops symptoms of a new seizure type, or if seizures continue despite antiseizure medicine.
Call 911 or your local emergency services if you observe prolonged automatic behaviors lasting minutes to hours — such as eating or moving without awareness, or prolonged confusion. These are possible symptoms of a serious condition called status epilepticus. Also call emergency services after any seizure lasting more than five minutes.
When to Seek Care — Quick Reference
Situation | Who to contact |
|---|---|
You suspect your child is having staring spells | Pediatrician |
Child with epilepsy shows a new type of seizure symptom | Pediatrician / neurologist |
Seizures continue despite taking antiseizure medicine | Pediatrician / neurologist |
Automatic behaviors lasting minutes to hours, or prolonged confusion | 911 / emergency services |
Any seizure lasting more than five minutes | 911 / emergency services |
What Causes Absence Seizures?
Absence seizures usually have a genetic cause. In general, seizures occur because of a burst of electrical impulses from the nerve cells in the brain, called neurons. Neurons normally send electrical and chemical signals across the synapses — the connections between cells.
In people who have seizures, the brain's usual electrical activity is altered. During an absence seizure, the electrical signals repeat themselves over and over in a three-second pattern. People with seizures may also have altered levels of the chemical messengers that help nerve cells communicate. These messengers are called neurotransmitters.
Figure 2: Absence seizures usually start with a burst of electrical impulses that repeat in a three-second pattern, briefly interrupting consciousness. Age, sex, and family history are the main risk factors.
Risk Factors
Certain factors are common among children who have absence seizures:
Risk factor | Detail |
|---|---|
Age | Most common in children between ages 4 and 14 |
Sex | More common in females |
Family history | Nearly a quarter of children with absence seizures have a close relative who has seizures |
Can Absence Seizures Cause Complications?
Most children outgrow absence seizures. However, some children must take antiseizure medicines throughout life, and some eventually develop full convulsions such as generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Other possible complications include trouble with learning, trouble with behavior, social isolation, and injury during a seizure.
Because spells interrupt awareness, untreated absence seizures can silently disrupt a child's classroom performance — another reason early diagnosis matters.
How Are Absence Seizures Diagnosed?
Your child's healthcare professional will ask for a detailed description of the seizures and perform a physical exam. Two main tests are typically used.
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a painless procedure that measures waves of electrical activity in the brain. Brain waves are transmitted to the EEG machine through small metal plates called electrodes, attached to the scalp with paste or an elastic cap. Rapid breathing, known as hyperventilation, during an EEG study can trigger an absence seizure. During a spell, the EEG pattern differs clearly from the typical pattern.
Brain scans, such as an MRI, help rule out other conditions like a stroke or a brain tumor by producing detailed images of the brain. Because a child needs to hold still for long periods, parents should talk with the healthcare professional about the possible use of sedation.
Diagnostic Tests Compared
Test | What it does | Key notes |
|---|---|---|
EEG (electroencephalogram) | Records the brain's electrical waves via scalp electrodes | Painless; hyperventilation may trigger a spell; the pattern changes during a seizure |
MRI (brain scan) | Produces detailed images of brain structures | Rules out other causes such as stroke or tumor; sedation may be discussed for young children |
How Are Absence Seizures Treated?
Treatment usually starts at the lowest possible dose of antiseizure medicine, increased as needed to control the spells. Under a healthcare professional's supervision, children may be able to taper off antiseizure medicines after being seizure-free for two years.
Antiseizure Medicines for Absence Seizures
Medicine | Role | Side effects and cautions |
|---|---|---|
Ethosuximide (Zarontin) | Usually the first medicine prescribed; most people see improvement | Nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, sleep disturbances, hyperactivity |
Valproic acid | Used when a child has both absence and tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures | Nausea, attention problems, increased appetite, weight gain; rarely, pancreas inflammation or liver failure. Linked to a higher risk of birth defects — generally avoided during pregnancy or while trying to conceive |
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) | An alternative with fewer side effects, though some studies show it is less effective than ethosuximide or valproic acid | Rash and nausea |
Lifestyle and Home Measures
Dietary therapy. A ketogenic diet — high in fat and low in carbohydrates — can improve seizure control. It is used only when traditional medicines fail to manage seizures. The diet is not easy to maintain, but it successfully reduces seizures for some people. Less restrictive variations, such as the glycemic index and modified Atkins diets, may also help, though they are generally less effective.
Take medicine exactly as prescribed. Never adjust the dose before talking with your child's healthcare professional. If you feel the medicine should change, discuss it first.
Prioritize sleep. Lack of sleep can trigger seizures. Make sure your child gets enough rest every night.
Wear a medical alert bracelet. This helps emergency personnel treat your child correctly if a seizure occurs.
Understand activity restrictions. Someone with regular seizures needs to be seizure-free for a state-defined period before driving — the required time varies from state to state. In addition, children should not bathe or swim unless another person is nearby who can help if needed.
How Do You Care for a Child Living with Absence Seizures?
Living with a seizure disorder can feel anxious and stressful, and that stress can affect mental health. Talking with a healthcare professional and seeking resources matters. Support works on three levels.
At home. Family members provide much-needed support. Tell them what you know about your child's seizures, invite their questions, and be open about their worries. Share any educational materials your healthcare professional has provided.
At school. Talk with your child's teachers and coaches about the seizure disorder. Explain how it affects your child at school and discuss what your child might need if a seizure happens in class.
You're not alone. Reach out to family and friends. Ask your healthcare professional about local support groups or join an online support community. A strong support system makes living with any medical condition easier.
Figure 3: The care pathway runs from noticing early signs, through EEG-based diagnosis, to antiseizure medicine and long-term self-care. An emergency red flag: call 911 for any seizure lasting more than five minutes.
Preparing for Your Appointment
You will likely start with your child's pediatrician and probably be referred to a neurologist — a doctor who specializes in disorders of the nervous system.
What you can do. Write down any symptoms you notice, including ones that may seem unrelated to seizures. Make a list of all medicines, vitamins, and supplements your child takes, with doses. Write down your questions.
Questions to ask your doctor |
|---|
What is the most likely cause of these symptoms? |
What tests are needed, and do they require special preparation? |
Is this condition temporary or long lasting? |
What treatments are available, and which do you recommend? |
What are the side effects of the treatment? |
Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you are prescribing? |
Can my child also develop the grand mal type of seizure? |
Are activity restrictions necessary? Are soccer, football, and swimming OK? |
Do you have printed material or recommended websites? |
What your doctor will likely ask. When did symptoms begin? How often do they occur? Can you describe a typical seizure? How long do the seizures last? After a seizure, is there awareness of what happened?
Conclusion
Absence seizures are brief, genetic, electrical-misfire events — most often in children ages 4 to 14 — that usually respond well to antiseizure medicine and are outgrown by many children in their teens. The biggest risk is that they go unnoticed: a child quietly "daydreaming" through class may actually be losing seconds of learning dozens of times a day. If you have noticed staring spells, falling school performance, or any spell lasting more than five minutes, seek care promptly. Early diagnosis protects your child's learning, safety, and confidence.
Talk to a pediatrician or neurologist about your concerns today — and share this guide with any parent or teacher who may be watching a child "daydream" more than usual.
FAQ: Absence Seizures (Petit Mal Seizures)
What is the difference between an absence seizure and daydreaming?
An absence seizure is a brief lapse of consciousness — usually about 10 seconds — during which the child has a vacant stare and cannot be snapped out of it, often with small movements like lip smacking or eyelid fluttering. Daydreaming can be interrupted by calling the child's name; an absence seizure cannot. After a spell, the child usually has no memory of the episode and returns to alertness without confusion or drowsiness.
How long do absence seizures last?
A typical absence seizure lasts about 10 seconds, though it may last as long as 30 seconds. Some children have many episodes in a single day. Any seizure lasting more than five minutes is an emergency — call 911 or your local emergency services.
What causes petit mal seizures in children?
Absence seizures usually have a genetic cause. They result from a burst of electrical impulses from brain cells (neurons), with electrical signals repeating in a three-second pattern. Altered levels of neurotransmitters — the brain's chemical messengers — may also play a role. Nearly one in four affected children has a close relative with seizures.
What age do absence seizures usually start?
Absence seizures are most common in children between ages 4 and 14, and they are more common in females. Many children outgrow them in their teens.
Can absence seizures be cured or outgrown?
Many children outgrow absence seizures in their teens. Most absence seizures can be managed with antiseizure medicines, and children who remain seizure-free for two years may be able to taper off medicine under a healthcare professional's supervision. Some children, however, need medicine throughout life or later develop other seizure types such as generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
What is the best medication for absence seizures?
Ethosuximide (Zarontin) is often the first medicine prescribed, and most people see improvement with it. Valproic acid is used when a child has both absence and tonic-clonic seizures, though it carries additional cautions for females of childbearing age. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) has fewer side effects but may be less effective in some studies. The right choice depends on the child's seizure pattern and health profile.
How are absence seizures diagnosed?
A healthcare professional takes a detailed description of the seizures and performs a physical exam. An EEG (electroencephalogram) records the brain's electrical waves and usually confirms the diagnosis — hyperventilation during the test can trigger a spell, making the abnormal pattern visible. A brain MRI may be used to rule out other conditions such as a stroke or tumor.
Are absence seizures dangerous?
The spells themselves usually do not cause injury because they are brief and the person does not fall. However, injury can happen if a seizure occurs while driving or riding a bike. Untreated, frequent spells can interfere with learning and school performance, and some children go on to develop more serious seizure types. Prompt treatment and safety rules — such as supervised swimming — reduce the risks.
Health information, not medical advice. This article is for general education and does not replace a diagnosis or treatment plan from your own healthcare professional.
External References
Absence seizure — Symptoms and causes (reviewed Jan. 21, 2025)
Absence seizure — Diagnosis and treatment (reviewed Jan. 21, 2025)
About the author: Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD, is a medical doctor and the founder of Rinnit. Dr. Baraa Alnahhal reviews medical research and translates it into clear, evidence-based health information for everyday readers.
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