Which seizure type is associated with mild, brief staring spells and is often termed absence seizures?

• A. Focal seizures
• B. Absence seizures
• C. Tonic seizures
• D. Myoclonic seizures

Answer: (B)

Absence seizures are a form of generalized non-convulsive epilepsy characterized by brief lapses of awareness that show up as a mild staring spell. These spells are usually just a few seconds long and can occur many times a day, especially in children. During the spell, the person appears to stare into space and may have subtle movements like eye blinking or lip smacking, but there are no dramatic body convulsions. Awareness returns quickly after the spell, with no prolonged confusion afterward. The EEG hallmark is a generalized 3 Hz spike-and-wave pattern, which helps distinguish these from other seizure types. In contrast, focal seizures start in a specific brain area and produce localized symptoms, tonic seizures involve stiffening, and myoclonic seizures involve brief jerks.