Get the app →
BriefTea logoBriefTea

Every story in sixty words

Explained in plain English

What are absence seizures?

Jamal Musiala's diagnosis involves a temporary neurological dysfunction. Absence seizures, previously called petit mal, are brief, non-convulsive episodes where a person might stare blankly or have minor movements, often lasting only seconds. They can cause a temporary loss of awareness, but usually don't lead to a full collapse like a grand mal seizure.

Stories that explain this

Bayern Munich ease fears over Musiala's career after absence seizure diagnosis

Related explainers

Can athletes play with seizures? How do clubs handle player health? What is 'petit mal'? Why the big jump in seizures? What are seizure-like symptoms? What is 'unauthorised absence'?

The full catalogue

Browse every card filed under A →