| epilepsy, generalised | Epileptic seizures in which the first clinical changes indicate initial involvement of both hemispheres of the brain, as opposed to epileptic seizures involving a particular focal point of the brain (epilepsy, partial). Generalised seizures can be convulsive or non-convulsive. Consciousness may be impaired and this impairment may be the initial manifestation of the seizure. Motor manifestations, if present, are also bilateral. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| epilepsy, myoclonic | A progressive encephalopathy characterised by myoclonic jerks (single or repetitive muscle contractions involving one body part or the entire body), mental retardation, and ataxia. The disease, an autosomal recessive form of epilepsy, occurs usually at puberty. The most significant pathological findings are lafora's inclusion bodies, which contain mucopolysaccharides. (12 Dec 1998) |
| epilepsy, partial | Epileptic seizures that originate at a specific location or focal point in the cortex of the brain and either remain localised or may generalise. These seizures occur without the loss of consciousness of the individual. The specific clinical symptoms depend on the area of the cortex involved. (12 Dec 1998) |
| epilepsy, posttraumatic | Epileptic seizures occurring as the result of trauma such as a gunshot wound or other injury to the brain. (12 Dec 1998) |
| epilepsy, rolandic | A benign, autosomal, dominant form of epilepsy occurring in children characterised clinically by arrest of speech, by muscular contractions of the side of the face and arm and electroencephalographically by high voltage spikes followed by slow waves in the rolandic area leads. Named for luigi rolando, an italian anatomist (1773-1831). (12 Dec 1998) |
| epilepsy, temporal lobe | Epileptic seizures characterised by simple partial seizures, complex partial seizures, and secondary generalised seizures, or combinations of these. Seizures may present with autonomic and/or psychic symptoms and certain sensory phenomena such as olfactory and auditory. most common is an epigastric rising sensation. Some seizures may begin with motor arrest and continue with oro-alimentary automatisms (with other automatisms following). Attacks are followed by amnesia and recovery is gradual. Usually, there is a history of febrile seizures in the individual or a history of seizures in the family. Seizures occur in clusters, randomly, or at intervals. (12 Dec 1998) |
| 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) |
| 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) |