Seizure (redirected from Epileptic fit)

seizure /sei·zure/ (se´zhur)

1. the sudden attack or recurrence of a disease.

2. a single episode of epilepsy, often named for the type it represents.

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absence seizure  the seizure of absence epilepsy, marked by a momentary break in consciousness of thought or activity and accompanied by a symmetrical 3-cps spike and wave activity on the electroencephalogram.

adversive seizure  a type of focal motor seizure in which there is forceful, sustained turning to one side by the eyes, head, or body.

atonic seizure  an absence seizure characterized by sudden loss of muscle tone.

automatic seizure  a type of complex partial seizure characterized by automatisms, often ambulatory and involving quasipurposeful acts.

clonic seizure  one in which there are generalized clonic contractions without a preceding tonic phase.

complex partial seizure  a type of partial seizure associated with disease of the temporal lobe and characterized by varying degrees of impairment of consciousness and automatisms, for which the patient is later amnestic.

febrile seizures  see under convulsion.

generalized tonic-clonic seizure  the seizure of grand mal epilepsy, consisting of a loss of consciousness and generalized tonic convulsions followed by clonic convulsions.

myoclonic seizure  one characterized by a brief episode of myoclonus.

partial seizure  any seizure due to a lesion in a specific, known area of the cerebral cortex.

reflex seizure  an episode of reflex epilepsy.

sensory seizure 

1. a simple partial seizure manifested by paresthesias or other hallucinations, including several types of aura.

2. a reflex seizure in response to a sensory stimulus.

simple partial seizure  a localized type of partial seizure, without loss of consciousness; if it progresses to another type of seizure it is called an aura.

tonic seizure  one characterized by tonic but not clonic contractions.

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sei·zure (szhr)

n.

1. A paroxysmal episode, caused by abnormal electrical conduction in the brain, resulting in the abrupt onset of transient neurologic symptoms such as involuntary muscle movements, sensory disturbances and altered consciousness. Also called convulsion.

2. A sudden attack, as of a disease.

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Seizure

A sudden attack, spasm, or convulsion.

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seizure,

n See epilepsy.

seizure, absence,

n a seizure characterized by sudden interruption of conscious physical and mental activities and a short period of unconsciousness. Formerly known as
petit mal, sometimes simply called
absence.

seizure, clonic phase,

n a seizure's convulsion stage.

seizure, complex partial,

n a seizure stemming from a localized part of the brain indicated by the presence of a state similar to a trance, varying degrees of awareness, and the manifestation of purposeless behaviors or motions. The seizure may be followed by an indeterminate period of confusion, garbled speech, poor mood, and an inability to recall the events of the episode.

seizure, generalized,

n a nonfocalized, convulsive spell that has a simultaneous effect on the entire brain. Formerly known as
grand mal seizure.

seizure, grand mal

n See seizure, generalized.

seizure, simple partial,

n a type of seizure in which only one part of the brain is involved. Patients experiencing this type of seizure may feel intense emotions (joy, fear) or involuntary muscle spasms, depending on the region affected.

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seizure

1. the sudden attack or recurrence of a disease.

2. a convulsion or attack of epilepsy.

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audiogenic seizure

a seizure brought on by sound.

cerebral seizure

an attack of epilepsy.

epileptiform seizure

see epileptiform.

focal seizure

see partial seizure (below).

generalized seizure

see grand mal seizure (below).

grand mal seizure

one with no localizing signs. After a brief period of restlessness, there is unconsciousness, generalized muscular activity, excessive salivation, chewing activity, opisthotonos, running movements, and often urination and defecation. The most common type of seizure in dogs and cats.

Jacksonian seizure

see Jacksonian epilepsy.

partial seizure

one restricted to a focus in the brain; signs correspond to the area affected, e.g. motor activity of an isolated area or limb, hallucinations such as fly catching, apparent blindness, behavioral abnormalities, etc. Called also focal seizures.

petit mal seizure

a mild, very brief generalized seizure. See also petit mal.

photogenic seizure

a seizure brought on by light.

psychomotor seizure

motor seizures accompanied by a psychic stage. There are hallucinations, salivation, pupillary dilatation, mastication, fecal and urinary excretion, and wild running. Seen in dogs with lesions in the pyriform lobe or hippocampus and from poisoning with agenized flour (canine hysteria). Called also running fits.

tetanic seizure

see tetany.

seizure threshold

the level of stimulation at which a seizure is precipitated.

tonic seizure

one in which the muscles are rigid.

tonic-clonic seizure

alternating tonic (rigid muscles) and clonic (jerking of muscles) phases; a grand mal seizure.