Absence seizures ARE petit mals.

Here is a definition and description as per the Epilepsy Society which is the working name for The National Society for Epilepsy in Great Britain, registered charity number 206186 http://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/epileptic-sei...

Absences (sometimes called petit mal)

Absence seizures are more common in children than adults and can happen very frequently. During an absence a person becomes unconscious for a short time. They may look blank and stare, or their eyelids might flutter. They will not respond to what is happening around them. If they are walking they may carry on walking but will not be aware of what they are doing.

Absences can be confused with daydreaming. However, unlike daydreaming, someone who is having an absence will not usually respond. Also, if blank spells happen when someone is doing something that they enjoy, such as talking or playing a game, then this is less likely to be daydreaming.

In typical absences, the person becomes blank and unresponsive for a few seconds. Because the seizures are brief, they may not be noticed.

Atypical absences often last a bit longer than typical absences. They often have some physical movement with them such as a brief head nod.

Hope this helps you.

I never new when I had a petty mal or absence seizure. A family member or friend notice me giving a blank stare or look like I'm day dreaming. And would tell me.

Thanks everyone xx

Just FYI everyone, I worked in healthcare and of course had to disclose information regarding certain health conditions. I even had a grand mal working at one position and several absent mal. During a meeting I blanked, staring and blinked at a coworker. She thought I was winking because we had a secret, which we did not. I did not get support. I had a very hard time, losing jobs, and I was in a lot of denial. The meds were hard too. It is important to let everyone I have migraines and a TBI. I did not have a choice based on my safety as well as others. It is hard to take. Also if I ever get to work again what will I do? People really have a hard time accepting this.

I had petit mal as a child x