Question

Describe absence seizures (petit mal).

A) Involuntary muscle spasms
B) Sudden, brief lapses in awareness
C) Loss of consciousness with convulsions
D) Prolonged episodes of staring

Answer 1

Absence seizures, or petit mal seizures, manifest as sudden, brief lapses in awareness represented by prolonged staring episodes, and are a type of epilepsy that can often be managed with medication.

Step-by-step explanation:

Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, are characterized by sudden, brief lapses in awareness without convulsions, typically presenting as prolonged episodes of staring. Unlike other seizures that may involve involuntary muscle spasms or loss of consciousness with convulsions, absence seizures are subtle, often going unnoticed. They are a form of epilepsy, which is a condition marked by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Epilepsy can be related to a brain injury, infection, or in some cases, genetic and environmental factors. For many individuals, seizures, including absence seizures, can be managed with anticonvulsant medications.