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Epilepsy and Seizures

Glossary



  • A feeling or other sensation that some people with epilepsy have right before a seizure.
  • A type of seizure that affects only part of the brain. This type of seizure causes a person to move strangely, pick at clothing, or exhibit other unusual behavior, but does not lead to convulsions. The person has no memory of what happened during the seizure.
  • A type of medical test that provides a three-dimensional image of the area being examined. CT scans are used to examine the brains of people with epilepsy.
  • An injury to the head that can cause seizures.
  • A violent, uncontrollable movement of the body's muscles, with loss of consciousness.
  • A type of medical test that measures and records electrical activity in the brain.
  • A type of seizure that affects the entire brain.
  • A diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates and protein that some experts believe can reduce the occurrence of seizures.
  • A type of medical test that gives a clear picture of the area being examined.
  • A temporary period of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
  • The point at which a person's brain cells will produce irregular electrical activity.
  • A type of seizure that affects only part of the brain. Muscles and senses may be affected. People who have simple partial seizures usually remember them afterward.
  • A seizure that lasts a long time or the occurrence of two or more seizures one after another. The person does not regain consciousness and requires emergency treatment.
  • Any event or occurrence that may bring on a seizure.
  • A device that is implanted in the chest and helps control brain activity to prevent seizures.

Additional topics

Science EncyclopediaEpilepsy