What is the definition or description of: staring spells?

Petit mal: Seizures are one description of staring spells. Sometimes a person is just zoning out. If the person is not responsive during the spell then needs to be seen and evaluated and have seizure activity ruled out.

SEE BELOW: A less dramatic form of epilepsy also involves loss of consciousness, but without a fall to the ground or convulsive movements. These attacks are aptly called "staring spells" because the patients stop what they're doing, lose eye-contact with other people, and appear to stare into space. If spoken to during attacks, the patients do not respond.