Which seizure is most common in children and is characterized by a blank stare lasting only a few seconds?

• A. Absence (petit mal) seizure
• B. Syncope
• C. Complex partial seizure
• D. Febrile seizure

Answer: (A)

Blank, brief stares in children are most typical of absence seizures. These are generalized non-convulsive events where the child momentarily loses awareness, appears to stare blankly for a few seconds, and then quickly returns to activity with no confusion or postictal state. Because they can happen many times a day and resemble daydreaming or inattention, recognizing the pattern is important. Unlike syncope, absence seizures don’t involve a prodrome of lightheadedness or pallor and don’t have a lingering recovery phase. Complex partial seizures involve impaired consciousness with automatisms and longer duration, while febrile seizures occur with fever and aren’t limited to a brief, pure blank stare. EEG often shows a characteristic 3 Hz spike-and-wave pattern in absence seizures.