Unlike other types of seizures, absence seizures typically do not cause convulsions or jerking movements.Īlthough absence seizures are generally brief and do not cause lasting harm, they can be disruptive to a person's daily life, especially if they occur frequently or during activities such as driving or operating heavy machinery. The person experiencing the seizure may appear to be 'zoned out' or staring off into space and may be unresponsive or unaware of their surroundings during the seizure. Absence seizures are most commonly seen in children and typically involve a brief staring spell that lasts just a few seconds. An absence seizure, also known as a petit mal seizure, affects consciousness and can cause a temporary loss of awareness.
