epilepsy

American  

[ep-uh-lep-see] / ˈɛp əˌlɛp si /

noun

Pathology.

1. a disorder of the nervous system, characterized either by mild, episodic loss of attention or sleepiness petit mal or by severe convulsions with loss of consciousness grand mal.

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epilepsy British  

/ ˈɛpɪˌlɛpsɪ /

noun

1. a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by periodic loss of consciousness with or without convulsions. In some cases it is due to brain damage but in others the cause is unknown See also grand mal petit mal

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epilepsy Scientific  

/ ĕp′ə-lĕp′sē /

1. Any of various neurological disorders characterized by recurrent seizures. Epilepsy is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

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epilepsy Cultural  

1. A disorder of the brain characterized by sudden, recurring attacks of abnormal brain function, often resulting in convulsions or seizures. The seizures associated with epilepsy can sometimes be controlled by medication.

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Etymology

Origin of epilepsy

First recorded in 1570–80; from Old French epilepsie, from Late Latin epilēpsia, from Greek epilēpsía “epileptic seizure,” derivative of epilambánein “to take hold of, seize, attack”; epi-, -lepsy ( def. )

Example Sentences

Scientists from Manchester are among those who have helped identify a neurodevelopmental disorder which is believed to be one of the most common genetic causes of childhood epilepsy.

From BBC

Noa-Rose, who is now seven, is among the one in five survivors left with life-altering conditions, including epilepsy, fatigue and developmental delay.

From BBC

To explore these questions, the research team recorded electrical signals from individual neurons in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

From Science Daily

For instance, the epilepsy medication lamotrigine and its byproducts appeared at relatively low levels across all plant tissues.

From Science Daily

For example, mutations in genes that produce CoA transporters have been linked to encephalopmyopathy, a condition that may involve developmental delays, epilepsy, and reduced muscle tone.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• contraction
• cramp
• paroxysm
• seizure
• tremor