Petit mal seizure

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Central nervous system

Seizure - petit mal; Absence seizure; Seizure - absence

As seizures can interfere with learning or result in injury, the goal of treatment is to prevent or minimize the number of seizures and to minimize any side effects of the treatments. In some cases, treatment of identifiable causes may reduce or eliminate seizures.

Anticonvulsant (antiseizure) medications may prevent or minimize the number of seizures. Petit mal seizures usually respond to valproic acid, ethosuximide, clonazepam, and certain other drugs. Response to medications varies and the medication and dosage may have to be adjusted repeatedly. For some drugs, monitoring of plasma drug levels is important for continued control of seizures and reduction of medication side effects.

Absence status epilepticus (multiple, frequently-repeated seizures) may be treated with intravenous medications and other treatments.

American Epilepsy Socieity -- www.aesnet.org

Almost all children with 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.

Long-term prognosis depends on whether there are any underlying neurological problems or other seizure types in addition to the petit mal seizures.

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.

• 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

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if a seizure lasts longer than 2 to 3 minutes or if there is no history of previous seizures. This is an emergency situation.