Typical absence seizures may be the sole seizure type experienced by a child. Typical absence seizures should not be confused with atypical absence seizures - which differ markedly in EEG findings and ictal behaviour, and usually present with other seizure types in a child with a background of learning disability and severe epilepsy. However, the abrupt ending of typical absence seizures, without a postictcal phase, is the most useful clinical feature in distinguishing the two types. Typical absence seizures are often confused with complex partial seizures - especially in cases of prolonged seizure with automatisms. Absence seizure was previously known as ‘petit mal seizure’. Absence seizures are characterized by sudden, brief (lasting a few seconds), frequent periods of unconsciousness, which may be accompanied by automatic movements (simple automatisms or clonic, atonic, or autonomic components) 1).
