epilepsy (redirected from Caducus morbus)

epilepsy /ep·i·lep·sy/ (ep´ĭ-lep″se) any of a group of syndromes characterized by paroxysmal transient disturbances of brain function that may be manifested as episodic impairment or loss of consciousness, abnormal motor phenomena, psychic or sensory disturbances, or perturbation of the autonomic nervous system; symptoms are due to disturbance of the electrical activity of the brain.

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absence epilepsy  that characterized by absence seizures, usually having its onset in childhood or adolescence.

focal epilepsy  that consisting of focal seizures.

generalized epilepsy  epilepsy in which the seizures are generalized; they may have a focal onset or be generalized from the beginning.

grand mal epilepsy  a symptomatic form of epilepsy, often preceded by an aura, characterized by sudden loss of consciousness with tonic-clonic seizures.

jacksonian epilepsy  epilepsy marked by focal motor seizures with unilateral clonic movements that start in one muscle group and spread systematically to adjacent groups, reflecting the march of epileptic activity through the motor cortex.

juvenile myoclonic epilepsy  a syndrome of sudden myoclonic jerks, occurring particularly in the morning or under periods of stress or fatigue, primarily in children and adolescents.

Lafora's myoclonic epilepsy  a form characterized by attacks of intermittent or continuous clonus of muscle groups, resulting in difficulties in voluntary movement, mental deterioration, and Lafora bodies in various cells.

myoclonic epilepsy  any form of epilepsy accompanied by myoclonus.

petit mal epilepsy  absence e.

photic epilepsy , photogenic epilepsy reflex epilepsy in which seizures are induced by a flickering light.

posttraumatic epilepsy  that occurring after head injury.

psychomotor epilepsy  temporal lobe e.

reflex epilepsy  epileptic seizures occurring in response to sensory stimuli.

rotatory epilepsy  temporal lobe epilepsy in which the automatisms consist of rotating body movements.

sensory epilepsy 

1. seizures manifested by paresthesias or hallucinations of sight, smell, or taste.

2. reflex e.

somatosensory epilepsy  sensory epilepsy with paresthesias such as burning, tingling, or numbness.

temporal lobe epilepsy  a form characterized by complex partial seizures.

visual epilepsy  sensory epilepsy in which there are visual hallucinations.

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ep·i·lep·sy (p-lps)

n.

Any of various neurological disorders characterized by sudden, recurring attacks of motor, sensory, or psychic malfunction with or without loss of consciousness or convulsive seizures. Also called seizure disorder.

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Epilepsy

A neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures with or without a loss of consciousness.

Mentioned in: Antianxiety Drugs, Anticonvulsant Drugs, Benzodiazepines, Biofeedback, Electroencephalography

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epilepsy

[ep′ilep′sē]

Etymology: Gk, epilepsia, seizure

a group of neurologic disorders characterized by recurrent episodes of convulsive seizures, sensory disturbances, abnormal behavior, loss of consciousness, or all of these. Common to all types of epilepsy is an uncontrolled electrical discharge from the nerve cells of the cerebral cortex. Although most epilepsy is of unknown cause, it is sometimes associated with cerebral trauma, intracranial infection, brain tumor, vascular disturbances, intoxication, or chemical imbalance. See also absence seizure, focal seizure, psychomotor seizure, tonic-clonic seizure.

observations The frequency of attacks may range from many times a day to intervals of several years. In predisposed individuals, seizures may occur during sleep or after physical stimulation, such as by a flickering light or sudden loud sound. Emotional disturbances also may be significant triggers. Some seizures are preceded by an aura, but others have no warning symptoms. Most epileptic attacks are brief. They may be localized or general, with or without clonic movements, and are often followed by drowsiness or confusion. Diagnosis is made by observation of the pattern of seizures and abnormalities on an electroencephalogram. Diagnosis is also aided by a system of classification of the criteria that characterize the different types of epileptic seizures. One major category in the classification scheme encompasses the partial seizures, which often begin focally, then spread to other brain areas. A second major category includes the generalized seizures, which usually begin deep in the brain and impair consciousness.

interventions The kind of epilepsy determines the selection of preventive medication. Correctable lesions and metabolic causes are eliminated when possible. During a seizure the patient should be protected from injury without being severely restrained.

nursing considerations In addition to protecting the patient from injury, a nurse observing an epileptic seizure should carefully note and accurately describe the sequence of seizure activity. The patient and family must be fully informed and counseled about the disorder; the importance of regularly taking prescribed medication, never discontinuing treatment without professional advice, and using a medical identification tag; the toxic effects of medication; and the maintenance of the most normal life-style possible. Nurses also have a responsibility to help improve the public's attitude toward epilepsy and to correct misunderstanding that limits educational and occupational opportunities for individuals affected by this condition. See also anticonvulsant, aura, central nervous system stimulant, clonus, ictus, tonic. epileptic, adj., n.

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epilepsy (eˈ·p·lepˑ·sē),

n medical condition characterized by repeated episodes of erratic brain electrical discharge. They may be convulsive or nonconvulsive. Epilepsy may be caused by degenerative brain diseases; injuries incurred at birth; infections affecting the brain and central nervous system, head traumas, strokes, drugs, or unknown causes. Also called
falling sickness.

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epilepsy (ep´ilep´sē),

n a group of neurologic disorders characterized by recurrent episodes of convulsive seizures, sensory disturbances, abnormal behavior, and loss of consciousness. Most epilepsy is of an unknown etiology but may be associated with cerebral trauma, brain tumors, vascular disturbances, or chemical imbalance. Drugs used in the treatment of symptoms (e.g., hydantoin sodium, diphenylhydantoin sodium) may promote gingival hyperplasia.

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epilepsy

paroxysmal transient disturbances of nervous system function resulting from abnormal electrical activity of the brain. It is not a specific disease, but rather a group of signs that are manifestations of any of a number of conditions that overstimulate the brain. Such signs include episodic impairment or loss of consciousness, abnormal motor phenomena or convulsions, psychic or sensory disturbances or perturbation of the autonomic nervous system. The term is often used interchangeably with seizures or convulsions.

There are several methods for classifying the various types of epilepsy. On the basis of origin, epilepsy is idiopathic (cryptogenic, essential, genetic) or symptomatic (acquired, organic). Symptomatic epilepsy has a physical cause, for example, brain tumor, injury to the brain at birth, a wound or blow to the head, or an endocrine disorder.

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autonomic epilepsy

see visceral epilepsy (below).

cortical epilepsy

seizures originating from a discrete focus in the cerebrum. Called also partial seizures.

idiopathic epilepsy

no cause can be diagnosed during life and no lesions are demonstrable at autopsy. The diagnosis is made by ruling out all extracranial and other intracranial causes. In dogs, this disorder occurs most frequently in certain breeds, particularly German shepherd dogs, miniature poodles, Keeshonds, Tervuren shepherds and Beagles, in which it is regarded as an inherited trait. Generalized seizures begin occurring at a young age, typically from 1 to 3 years; the affected dog is otherwise normal. Called also true epilepsy.

In affected cattle seizures occur from 2 to 3 months of age. A form of idiopathic epilepsy has been recorded in horses.

Jacksonian epilepsy

see jacksonian epilepsy.

myoclonic epilepsy

see glycoproteinosis.

visceral epilepsy

a visceral response to a focus of irritation in the cerebral cortex, usually vomiting and diarrhea. Called also autonomic epilepsy.

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epilepsy

Neurology Any syndrome characterized by paroxysmal, usually transient, defects in cerebral function which are manifest as episodic impairment of neurologic activity, loss of consciousness, abnormal motor activity, sensory defects and alterations in the autonomic nervous system Imaging MRI, PET, SPECT. See Absence, Automatic epilepsy, Focal epilepsy, Gelastic epilepsy, Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, Progressive myoclonus epilepsy, Seizure disorder.

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Patient discussion about Caducus morbus.

Q. if some one gets a one time epileptic seizure- he have to take medication all his life? how do they decide if it's a one timer or it's going to continue from this day forth?

A. my son got a one time seizure, the doctors said that he should be fine if he won't have another one. but that was after they did EEG scans and I kept close watch on him for the next month.never left him in a bath alone and things like that. they told me that it was probably won't come back, and it didn't. thank god.

Q. my nephew had a seizure. he is 8 years old, what can be the cause? could it be epilepsy? he just fell and convoluted on the floor and vomited. after a while he woke up and didn't remember any thing from the event.

A. it could be a lot of things- could be fever, could be Diabetes and also epilepsy. whatever it is- if it happens again don't do things like put something in his mouth to bite on or try to hold him or anything- it could hurt him. just wait until it'll be over and then help him and come him down. take him to a Doctor. I'm sure that it's nothing serious.

Q. what are the chances for a one time epileptic seizure? I had an epileptic seizure a few years ago and after all the tests it appeared to be a one time seizure. I know having one indicates my tendency for this kind of seizures so should I be afraid now to do things that might bring it up again- like alcohol, drugs, being exposed to flashing lights or having lack of sleep? what are the chances of it to come back after 5 years? any help will be very appreciated....thanks!

A. After 5 years with no recurrence of seizures after a one time episode, tha chances of having another one are low, almost exact to the general population. I would not advise you to start heavily drinking alcohol and doing drugs, because these things can certainly have an effect, however you need not be afraid.