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Petit mal seizure
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- This is a form of Epilepsy in which Seizures are caused by
abnormal neuronal discharge in the brain -- the "wires" of
the brain's electrical circuitry get crossed and discharge
abnormally). Absence seizures are
characterized by impairment of consciousness or posture, and usually last only a few seconds. This type of seizure is more common in those under age 20.
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- Usually begin between ages 6 to 14 years and resolve by age 20
- Sudden, brief, loss of consciousness (the child appears to "space out" for a few seconds)
- Eye fluttering
- Speech suddenly ceases for a few seconds
- Chewing movements or lip smacking
- Hand shaking
- Loss of body muscle tone, and falling if standing
- Urine incontinence
- No confusion following a seizure
- There is an atypical form of absence seizure that differs from the typical form in its duration (i.e., lasts longer), has a slower onset, slower recovery, and may be associated with confusion.
- A child may have no memory in both
forms of absence seizures.
- Seizures may occur very frequently and then go unnoticed for months or years.
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- Idiopathic (unknown)
- Congenital (born with structural brain problem)
- Perinatal (brain Injury at or near time of birth)
- There may be a complication of liver, kidney, or other diseases.
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- EEG (electroencephalograph) shows synchronous and symmetric 3 Hz spike-and-wave activity.
- CT scan or MRI may be done to rule out a structural problem.
- Blood tests to rule out kidney or liver infection may be needed if EEG and radiographs are normal.
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- Ethosuximide
- Valproic acid
- Clonazepam
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- Complex partial Seizures
- Febrile Seizures
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