An indication of simple absence seizure is a vacant stare, which may be mistaken for a lapse in attention that lasts about 10 seconds, though it may last as long as 20 seconds, without any confusion, headache or drowsiness afterward. Signs and symptoms of absence seizures include:  Sudden stop in motion without falling Lip smacking Eyelid flutters Chewing motions Finger rubbing Small movements of both hands  Afterward, there's no memory of the incident. Some people have many episodes daily, which interfere with school or daily activities. A child may have absence seizures for some time before an adult notices the seizures, because they're so brief. A decline in a child's learning ability may be the first sign of this disorder. Teachers may comment about a child's inability to pay attention or that a child is often daydreaming. When to see a doctor Contact your doctor:    The first time you notice a seizure If this is a new type of seizure If the seizures continue to occur despite taking anti-seizure medication  Contact 911 or emergency services in your area:  If you observe prolonged automatic behaviors lasting minutes to hours — activities such as eating or moving without awareness — or prolonged confusion, possible symptoms of a condition called absence status epilepticus After any seizure lasting more than five minutes 
indication simple absence seizure vacant stare  may mistaken lapse attention lasts 10 seconds  may last long 20 seconds  confusion  headache drowsiness afterward  signs symptoms absence seizures include:  sudden motion falling lip smacking eyelid flutters chewing motions finger rubbing small movements hands  afterward  there's memory incident  people episodes daily  interfere school daily activities  child may absence seizures time adult notices seizures  they're brief  decline child's learning ability may first sign disorder  teachers may comment child's inability pay attention child daydreaming  see doctor contact doctor:    first time notice seizure new type seizure seizures continue occur taking anti-seizure medication  contact 911 emergency services area:  observe prolonged automatic behaviors lasting minutes hours — activities eating moving awareness — prolonged confusion  possible symptoms condition called absence status epilepticus seizure lasting minutes 
petit mal seizure