| generalised seizure | <neurology> A type of seizure that results in loss of consciousness, generalised muscle contractions, urinary incontinence, tongue biting and a post-ictal state (confusion and lethargy) following cessation of the seizure. Synonym: grand-mal seizure. See: epilepsy. (03 Jul 1999) |
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| generalised tonic-clonic seizure | <neurology> A type of seizure that results in loss of consciousness, generalised muscle contractions, urinary incontinence, tongue biting and a post-ictal state (confusion and lethargy) following cessation of the seizure. Synonym: grand-mal seizure. See: epilepsy. (03 Jul 1999) |
| versive seizure | A partial seizure associated with head and eye deviation to one side. (05 Mar 2000) |
| partial seizure | <neurology> A brief temporary alteration in movement, sensation or autonomic nerve function caused by abnormal electrical activity in a localised area of the brain. Focal seizures (i.e. Partial or Jacksonian seizures) usually cause no change in awareness or alertness. An example of a focal (partial) seizure would be rhythmic muscle contractions in one area of the body: lip smacking, mouth movements, drooling, head turning, eye movements or seemingly purposeful movements (for example picking at clothes). Other presentations may be strictly sensory with abnormal numbness, tingling or a crawling sensation to the skin. More unusual symptoms include changes in speech, thought, personality, mood, sensation of deja vu or hallucinations. (27 Sep 1997) |
| grand mal seizure | A type of seizure that results in loss of consciousness, generalised muscle contractions, urinary incontinence, tongue biting and a post-ictal state (confusion and lethargy) following cessation of the seizure. Also referred to as a grand-mal seizure. See: epilepsy. (27 Sep 1997) |
| petit mal seizure | An absence seizure. (05 Mar 2000) |
| minor motor seizure | Old term for nonconvulsive seizure seen in patients with secondary generalised epilepsies. (05 Mar 2000) |
| clonic seizure | A seizure characterised by repetitive rhythmical jerking of all or part of the body. (05 Mar 2000) |
| CO2-withdrawal seizure test | Utilization of hyperventilation to demonstrate abnormalities in the brain waves or even to precipitate a convulsion. (05 Mar 2000) |
| complex partial seizure | <neurology> Seizures with elaborate and multiple sensory, motor, and/or psychic components. A common feature is the clouding of consciousness and amnesia for the event. Some clinical manifestations may include more complex behaviours like burst of anger, emotional outbursts, fear or automatisms. The EEG often reveals spike discharges in the temporal lobe during sleep. (05 Jan 1998) |
| convulsive seizure | Seizure with clonic or tonic-clonic motor activity. (05 Mar 2000) |
| myoclonic seizure | Seizure associated with single or repetitive myoclonic jerks. (05 Mar 2000) |
| psychic seizure | A simple partial seizure characterised by an attack of psychic phenomena such as a dreamy state, deja vu, autonomic sensation or emotion; commonly, but not exclusively, associated with temporal lobe epilepsy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| psychogenic seizure | A clinical spell that resembles an epileptic seizure, but is not due to epilepsy. The EEG is normal during an attack, and the behaviour is often related to psychiatric disturbance, such as a conversion disorder. (05 Mar 2000) |
| psychomotor seizure | <neurology> Seizures with elaborate and multiple sensory, motor, and/or psychic components. A common feature is the clouding of consciousness and amnesia for the event. Some clinical manifestations may include more complex behaviours like burst of anger, emotional outbursts, fear or automatisms. The EEG often reveals spike discharges in the temporal lobe during sleep. (27 Sep 1997) |