1. Seizure in Seconds
Petit mal seizures come from abnormal electrical brain activity. Unlike grand mal seizures, petit mal seizures are more difficult to catch as a typical seizure shows itself as an absence of conscious activity that lasts for a just a few seconds. In fact, medical professionals often refer to petit mal seizures as absence seizures. These seizures occur most often in children who can experience dozens, even hundreds of seizures in a single day.
2. Recognize the Signs of a Petit Mal Seizure
Petit mal seizures in children may look like staring spellings or "zoning out." When this happens, call a child's name or touch them. If they respond immediately, it's not a seizure, just the typical zoning out children sometimes do. If the child doesn't respond to touch or voice, however, it may be an absence seizure, particularly if he stops talking or walking for a few seconds. While there's no memory of the episode, there's also no residual confusion as seen with grand mal seizures. Look closer, and you may see some of these behaviors during the seizure: staring, fluttering eyelids, lip smacking, chewing or hand movements. Atypical seizures tend to last longer than typical absence seizures and are therefore more noticeable.
3. Screen for Absence Seizures
If you suspect absence seizures, contact a neurologist for a work-up, which will include a physical exam, an electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity and sometimes an MRI or CT scan. Don't be surprised if doctors can't pinpoint a cause for petit mal seizures. Except for congenital brain abnormalities or brain injuries, it's often difficult to know why absence seizures develop. Flashing lights may trigger petit mal seizures in some people, which is why video game systems now come with warnings.
4. Outgrowing Petit Mal Seizures
Many children outgrow absence seizures, as they get older, while others may progress to experiencing grand mal seizures. Anti-seizure medication, like Depakene or Zarontin, often limits or stops petit mall seizures.
5. Follow the Absence Seizure/Learning Disability Link
Absence seizures can be difficult to spot; however, healthcare professionals have learned that many children with petit mal seizures have problems with school and may have learning disabilities. A high number of seizures interfere with a child's ability to learn. If your child recently began having trouble in school and you've noticed staring spells, have her screened for petit mal seizures.
