| HHE | health hazard evaluation; hemiconvulsion-hemiplegia-epilepsy [syndrome] |
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| IBE | International Bureau for Epilepsy |
| JME | juvenile myoclonus epilepsy |
| MERRF | myoclonus epilepsy with ragged red fibers [syndrome] |
| MERRLA | myoclonus epilepsy-ragged red fibers-lactic acidosis [syndrome] |
| epilepsy, tonic-clonic | Primary generalised epileptic seizures, starting without warning, characterised by loss of consciousness, tonic contraction of muscles, loss of postural control, and production of a cry by the forced expiration of air due to contraction of the respiratory muscles. The individual then falls to the floor and remains rigid for a few seconds, after which a series of rhythmic contractions occur in all four limbs. This clonic phase can last for a variable period, ending only upon muscle relaxation. Upon recovery, there is a gradual return to consciousness, disorientation, amnesia for the seizure, sometimes retrograde amnesia as well, headache, and drowsiness. The individual may not return to baseline functioning for days. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| epilepsy with grand mal seizures on awakening | Generalised epilepsy syndrome characterised by onset in the second decade of life, typically with generalised tonic-clonic seizures, of which most occur shortly after awakening (regardless of the time of day) and are exacerbated by sleep deprivation. There is a genetic predisposition and EEG shows one of several generalised patterns of interictal discharges; photosensitivity is common. (05 Mar 2000) |
| epilepsy with myoclonic absences | A form of generalised epilepsy characterised by absence seizures, severe bilateral rhythmic clonic jerks often associated with tonic contraction, and an EEG 3 Hz spike and wave pattern. Age of onset is usually around seven years and males are more often affected. (05 Mar 2000) |
| jacksonian epilepsy | 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) |
| juvenile absence epilepsy | A generalised epilepsy syndrome with onset around puberty, characterised by absence seizures and generalised tonic-clonic seizures. EEG often shows a greater than 3 Hz generalised spike wave pattern. (05 Mar 2000) |
| juvenile myoclonic epilepsy | An epilepsy syndrome typically beginning in early adolescence, and characterised by early morning myoclonic jerks that may progress into a generalised tonic-clonic seizure. A genetic disorder: some families have had gene linkage to chromosome-6. The EEG is characterised by generalised polyspike and wave discharges at 4-6 Hz. (05 Mar 2000) |
| uncinate epilepsy | A form of psychomotor epilepsy or complex partial seizure initiated by a dreamy state and hallucinations of smell and taste, usually the result of a medial temporal lesion. Synonym: uncinate attack. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Kojewnikoff's epilepsy | Focal motor status epilepticus characterised by high fever, delirium, localised muscular spasms and generalised convulsion, then clonic twitching of one group of muscles at regular intervals (seconds apart) lasting for hours or months, remaining localised. These continue throughout sleep, possibly at a reduced rate. (12 Dec 1998) |
| focal epilepsy | Epilepsy of various aetiologies characterised by focal seizures or secondarily generalised tonic-clonic seizures. Ictal symptoms are often related to the brain region where the seizure begins focally. Synonym: cortical epilepsy, local epilepsy, partial epilepsy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| laryngeal epilepsy | A form of reflex epilepsy precipitated by coughing. (05 Mar 2000) |
| frontal lobe epilepsy | A localization-related epilepsy with seizures originating in the frontal lobe. A variety of clinical syndromes exist depending on the exact localization of seizures and clinical semiology of the seizure type. Frontal lobe epilepsies have been divided into several specific syndromes including the syndrome of supplementary motor seizures, cingulate seizures, anterior frontal polar region seizures, orbital frontal seizures, dorsolateral seizures, opercular seizures, and seizures of the motor cortex. (05 Mar 2000) |
| local epilepsy | Epilepsy of various aetiologies characterised by focal seizures or secondarily generalised tonic-clonic seizures. Ictal symptoms are often related to the brain region where the seizure begins focally. Synonym: cortical epilepsy, local epilepsy, partial epilepsy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| localization related epilepsy | A clinically diverse group of epilepsy syndromes, some benign, some progressive. Many are hereditary with mendelian and nonmendelian mitochondrial inheritance. All are characterised by the occurrence of myoclonus, which may be limited or predominate in the condition. Specific syndromes include cherry red spot myoclonus syndrome, ceroid lipofuscinosis, myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibres, and Baltic myoclonus. Synonym: localization related epilepsy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| abdominocardiac reflex | Mechanical stimulation (usually distention) of abdominal viscera causing changes (usually a slowing) in the heart rate or the occurrence of extrasystoles. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Abrams' heart reflex | A contraction of the myocardium when the skin of the precordial region is irritated. (05 Mar 2000) |