focal seizure

focal seizure

n.

A seizure that originates from a localized area of the cerebral cortex, involves neurologic symptoms specific to the affected area of the brain, and may progress to a generalized seizure. Also called partial seizure.

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focal seizure

Etymology: L, focus, hearth; OFr, seisir

a transitory disturbance in motor, sensory, or autonomic function that results from abnormal neuronal discharges in a localized part of the brain, most frequently motor or sensory areas adjacent to the central sulcus. Focal motor seizures commonly begin as spasmodic movements in the hand, face, or foot. Abnormal neuronal discharges that arise in the motor area that controls mastication and salivation may be manifested by chewing, lip smacking, swallowing movements, and profuse salivation. Abnormal electrical activity in the sensory strip of the cortex may be evident initially as a numb, prickling, tingling, or crawling feeling, and the neuronal discharge may spread to motor areas. See also epilepsy, motor seizure.

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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.