What are petite mal seizures commonly known as?

Petite mal seizures are commonly known as absence seizures. This term reflects the characteristic feature of these seizures, where the individual experiences a brief, sudden lapse in attention or awareness. During an absence seizure, which typically lasts only a few seconds, the person may appear to be staring into space and unresponsive to their surroundings.

Absence seizures are most prevalent in children and often resolve with age. They are different from the other types of seizures mentioned, as they do not involve convulsions or physical convulsions commonly associated with more generalized seizure types. Understanding this distinction is crucial in recognizing and correctly identifying the various types of seizure disorders.