A seizure disorder usually occurring in childhood characterized by rhythmic electrical brain discharges of generalized onset. Clinical features include a sudden cessation of ongoing activity usually without loss of postural tone. Rhythmic blinking of the eyelids or lip smacking frequently accompanies the SEIZURES. The usual duration is 5-10 seconds, and multiple episodes may occur daily. Juvenile absence epilepsy is characterized by the juvenile onset of absence seizures and an increased incidence of myoclonus and tonic-clonic seizures. (Menkes, Textbook of Child Neurology, 5th ed, p736)

Annotation

note entry term PETIT MAL EPILEPSY: do not confuse with PETIT MAL STATUS see STATUS EPILEPTICUS

DUI

D004832 MeSH Browser

CUI

M0007577

History note

1992; was EPILEPSY, PETIT MAL 1963-1991

Public note

1992; was EPILEPSY, PETIT MAL 1963-1991