petit mal
Momentary absence seizure
Petit mal is a type of epileptic seizure characterized by brief lapses in consciousness—typically lasting only a few seconds—without convulsions or falling.
The person may appear to stare blankly or blink rapidly, then resume normal activity with no memory of the episode.
Now more commonly called an absence seizure in medical contexts: The child's petit mal episodes were so subtle that teachers mistook them for daydreaming.
Having recurring seizures
- fitProper or healthy
- paroxysmViolent sudden outburst
- convulsionSudden involuntary muscle contractions
- spasmInvoluntary muscle contraction
twitch · myoclonus · generalized · postictal · aura · unconsciousness · episode · attack
Gazing without break
- blankWithout marks or content
- unresponsiveFailing to react or reply
- inattentiveNot paying attention
- vacantWithout an occupant
lapse · spell · daydreaming · disconnect · pause · gaze · detachment · unaware
Brain wave recording
- EEGNeural activity recording
- neurologistPhysician specializing in nervous system
- anticonvulsantDrug preventing seizures
- neuralOf nerve tissue
neuron · neurotransmitter · synapse · cerebral · pathophysiology · brain activity · cortical · thalamus
Drug preventing seizures
- valproateAnticonvulsant mood-stabilizing compound
- ketogenic dietCarb-restricted eating approach
- medicationTherapeutic substance for illness
- therapyCurative mental treatment
seizure control · remission · outgrow · childhood epilepsy · prognosis · monitoring · dosage · side effects
epileptic
Having recurring seizures
- fitProper or healthy
- paroxysmViolent sudden outburst
- convulsionSudden involuntary muscle contractions
spasm · twitch · myoclonus · generalized · postictal · aura · unconsciousness · episode · attack · threshold
staring
Gazing without break
- blankWithout marks or content
- unresponsiveFailing to react or reply
- inattentiveNot paying attention
vacant · lapse · spell · daydreaming · disconnect · pause · gaze · detachment · unaware · momentary
electroencephalogram
Brain wave recording
- EEGNeural activity recording
- neurologistPhysician specializing in nervous system
- anticonvulsantDrug preventing seizures
neural · neuron · neurotransmitter · synapse · cerebral · pathophysiology · brain activity · cortical · thalamus · hyperventilation
anticonvulsant
Drug preventing seizures
- valproateAnticonvulsant mood-stabilizing compound
- ketogenic dietCarb-restricted eating approach
- medicationTherapeutic substance for illness
therapy · seizure control · remission · outgrow · childhood epilepsy · prognosis · monitoring · dosage · side effects