Fixed dilated pupils in petit mal attacks

Abstract

The pupillary size and light reflex were measured by photographic means during 1710 'absence' attacks induced by photic stimulation in six patients with epilepsy. Pupillary dilatation unreactive to light stimulation, facial pallor and perspiration were consistently recorded during all petit mal attacks simultaneously with three cycles per second (cps) spike and wave complexes. Miosis and facial flushing followed the attacks. This recording technique provides clinically useful evidence of seizure activity. The identification of mydriasis can clarify the ambiguity of ordinary clinical observations in 'absence' attacks.