The petite mal seizure in children (and adults) is mild in terms of its signs and symptoms.
A typical petit mal seizure involves a brief, sudden absence of consciousness. There may not be any movement at all, only what appears to be staring. In other cases, a seizure may cause:
- Lip smacking
- Fluttering eyelids
- Chewing
- Hand movements
Petit mal seizures last only a few seconds. Full recovery is almost instant. Afterward, there is no confusion, but also no memory of the incident.
Petit mal seizures may occur for weeks or months before an adult notices them, because they're so brief. In children, they often occur when a child is sitting quietly and seldom during physical activity.
Note:
Because these seizures come and go so quickly, a noticeable decline in a child's learning ability may be the first sign of this disorder. Teachers also may comment about a child's inability to pay attention.
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