Abszencia

Abszencia is a term with roots in Latin, generally referring to absence or lack. In a medical context, it often describes a specific type of seizure, particularly in epilepsy. These are also known as petit mal seizures. During an abszencia, a person may stare blankly into space for a brief period, typically a few seconds, and appear unresponsive. They may not remember the event occurring. These seizures are more common in children than adults. The term can also be used more broadly to denote a lack of something, such as the absence of a particular substance or symptom. For example, in psychology, it might refer to the absence of a certain emotion or cognitive function. The specific meaning of abszencia is therefore dependent on the context in which it is used, though its core concept remains that of non-presence or deficiency.