petit mal /pe·tit mal/ (pĕ-te´ mahl´) [Fr.] see under epilepsy.
mal [mal] (Fr. and Sp.)
petit mal
pet·it mal (p t  mäl, m l)n. A form of epilepsy, occurring most often in adolescents and children, characterized by frequent but transient lapses of consciousness and only rare spasms or falling. Also called absence, petit mal epilepsy. |
mal [mal] (Fr. and Sp.)
grand mal grand mal epilepsy.
mal de Meleda symmetrical keratosis of the palms and soles associated with a dry, scaly thickening of the wrists and ankles.
mal de mer seasickness.
petit mal petit mal epilepsy.
petit mal
a relatively mild seizure contrasting with grand mal, a major seizure. Occurs in humans where the patient loses consciousness only momentarily and there are few motor signs. True petit mal seizures would be difficult to detect, but probably do occur occasionally in animals. See also seizure.
petit mal
Absence Neurology A spell characterized by lapse of attention and awareness, with loss of recall, without convulsions or loss consciousness. Cf Grand mal seizure; psychomotor epilepsy.
Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|