Do absent seizures (petit mal) include convulsions?

Absent seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, are characterized by brief episodes of loss of consciousness or awareness, typically lasting only a few seconds. During these episodes, the individual may appear to stare blankly into space and may not respond to external stimuli.

The crucial aspect of absent seizures is that they do not involve convulsions, which are characterized by uncontrolled muscle movements or jerking. Instead, the hallmark of an absent seizure is the transient lapse in awareness rather than any convulsive activity. This differentiates them from other seizure types, such as generalized tonic-clonic seizures, which do involve convulsions.

Therefore, the correct conclusion is that absent seizures do not include convulsions. Recognizing this difference is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of seizure disorders in clinical practice.