epilepsy

/ˌɛpəˈlɛpsi/

/ˈɛpɪlɛpsi/

Other forms: epilepsies

If you have epilepsy, you have a central nervous system disorder that may cause you to lose consciousness and have convulsions.

The noun epilepsy comes from the Greek word epilēpsia, which itself means seizure. Not all seizures are caused by epilepsy, but an epileptic seizure occurs when a strong electrical disturbance occurs in the brain. The severity and intensity of the seizures depend on many factors and are unique to each person. It may be possible to control seizures through medication, although not everyone with epilepsy will respond to medication. People with uncontrolled epilepsy should not drive.

Definitions of epilepsy

1. noun

   a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by loss of consciousness and convulsions
   types:

   akinetic epilepsy

   epilepsy characterized by akinesia

   cortical epilepsy, focal epilepsy

   epilepsy in which the attacks begins with an isolated disturbance of cerebral function (as a twitching of a limb or an illusory sensation or a mental disturbance)

   epilepsia major, generalized epilepsy, grand mal, grand mal epilepsy

   epilepsy in which the attacks involve loss of consciousness and tonic spasms of the musculature followed by generalized jerking

   Lafora's disease, myoclonus epilepsy

   epilepsy characterized by clonus of muscle groups and progressive mental deterioration and genetic origin

   epilepsia minor, petit mal, petit mal epilepsy

   epilepsy characterized by paroxysmal attacks of brief clouding of consciousness (and possibly other abnormalities)

   posttraumatic epilepsy, traumatic epilepsy

   a convulsive epileptic state caused by a head injury

   procursive epilepsy

   epilepsy in which a seizure is induced by whirling or running

   psychomotor epilepsy, temporal lobe epilepsy

   epilepsy characterized clinically by impairment of consciousness and amnesia for the episode; often involves purposeful movements of the arms and legs and sometimes hallucinations

   reflex epilepsy

   a form of epilepsy in which attacks are induced by peripheral stimulation

   status epilepticus

   a condition in which there are continuing attacks of epilepsy without intervals of consciousness; can lead to brain damage and death

   tonic epilepsy

   epilepsy in which the body is rigid during the seizure

   Jacksonian epilepsy

   focal epilepsy in which the attack usually moves from distal to proximal limb muscles on the same side of the body

   musicogenic epilepsy

   reflex epilepsy induced by music

   photogenic epilepsy

   reflex epilepsy induced by a flickering light

   sensory epilepsy

   focal epilepsy initiated by somatosensory phenomena

   type of:

   brain disease, brain disorder, encephalopathy

   any disorder or disease of the brain