Glossary

Seizure Types

• Tonic-Clonic Seizure (Grand Mal): A type of generalized seizure involving a loss of consciousness, 

stiffening of the body (tonic phase), followed by jerking movements (clonic phase).

• Absence Seizure (Petit Mal): A type of generalized seizure characterized by a brief loss of awareness, often appearing as a staring spell.

• Focal Seizure (Partial Seizure): A seizure that starts in one area of the brain. May involve retained awareness (simple focal) or altered awareness (complex focal).

• Atonic Seizure: A type of generalized seizure involving a sudden loss of muscle tone, which can cause falls.

• Myoclonic Seizure: A type of generalized seizure characterized by brief, sudden muscle jerks.

• Clonic Seizure: A type of generalized seizure involving repetitive, jerking muscle movements.

• Tonic Seizure: A type of generalized seizure involving a sudden stiffening of muscles.

Related Medical Terms

• Epilepsy: A neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures.

• Seizure: A sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain.

• Electroencephalogram (EEG): A test that measures electrical activity in the brain using electrodes attached to the scalp.

• Neurologist: A doctor who specializes in disorders of the nervous system, including the brain and epilepsy.

• Epileptologist: A neurologist with additional specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.

• Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs): Medications used to prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

• Refractory Epilepsy (Drug-Resistant Epilepsy): Epilepsy that doesn't respond to two or more appropriate AEDs.

• Status Epilepticus: A dangerous condition characterized by a seizure lasting longer than five minutes or having multiple seizures close together without regaining consciousness between them.

• Aura: A sensation or warning that some people experience before a seizure. It can include visual disturbances, smells, tastes, or feelings.

• Postictal State: The period immediately following a seizure, which can involve confusion, drowsiness, weakness, or other neurological symptoms.

• Triggers: Factors that may increase the likelihood of seizures in some individuals (e.g., sleep deprivation, stress, flashing lights).

• Comorbidities: Other medical conditions that frequently occur alongside epilepsy (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD).

Support and Community Terms

• Support Group: A gathering of people with a shared experience (like epilepsy) to offer emotional support and share information.

• Advocacy: Actively working to raise awareness, promote understanding, and support the rights of people with epilepsy.

• Epilepsy Foundation: A national non-profit organization dedicated to helping people and families affected by epilepsy.

• Seizure Action Plan (SAP): A written plan outlining what to do if someone has a seizure, including emergency contacts and rescue medication instructions.

• Respite Care: Temporary care for individuals with epilepsy to provide a break for caregivers.

Diagnostic and Treatment Terms 

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A medical imaging technique used to create detailed pictures of the brain.

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: An imaging technique that uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the brain.

• Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): A treatment for epilepsy involving the implantation of a device that sends mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve.

• Epilepsy Surgery: Surgical procedures are performed to remove or modify the area of the brain causing seizures.

More Medical and Neurological Terms 

• Neurotransmitter: Chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells in the brain. Imbalances can be involved in seizures.

• Synapse: The junction between two nerve cells where signals are transmitted.

• Corticle Dysplasia: An abnormality in the development of the brain's outer layer (cortex) that can sometimes cause epilepsy.

• Sclerosis: Hardening of tissue in the brain, such as hippocampal sclerosis, which can be a cause of temporal lobe epilepsy.

• Idiopathic Epilepsy: Epilepsy with no identifiable cause.

• Symptomatic Epilepsy: Epilepsy that is a symptom of an underlying condition (e.g., brain injury, stroke, tumor).

• Cryptogenic Epilepsy: Epilepsy is believed to be symptomatic, but the underlying cause is currently unknown.

• Prodrome: Early symptoms that may occur hours or days before a seizure.

• Interictal: The period between seizures.

• Ictal: Relating to or occurring during a seizure.

• Subclinical Seizure: Electrical seizure activity in the brain that does not cause any outward signs or symptoms.

Terms Related to Living with Epilepsy 

• Seizure Precautions: Measures taken to ensure the safety of someone who has seizures, such as padding sharp corners or avoiding certain activities when alone.

• Rescue Medication: Medication given to stop a seizure that is lasting too long or occurring in clusters (e.g., nasal sprays, rectal gels). 

• Stigma: Negative attitudes or beliefs about a group of people, such as those with epilepsy.

• Self-Management: The skills and strategies individuals with epilepsy use to manage their condition and live well

• Quality of Life: A person's overall well-being and satisfaction with their life, which can be impacted by epilepsy.

• Adaptive Equipment: Tools or devices that help individuals with epilepsy participate more fully in daily activities.

Terms Related To Research and Treatment Advances 

• Clinical Trial: A research study that evaluates the safety and effectiveness of new treatments.

• Biomarker: A measurable indicator that can predict or indicate a disease or condition, such as specific brainwave patterns.

• Precision Medicine: An approach to treatment that takes into account individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle.

• Neurostimulation: Techniques that use electrical or magnetic stimulation to modulate brain activity and reduce seizures (e.g., VNS, RNS, DBS).

• Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS): A type of neurostimulation where a device detects abnormal brain activity and delivers targeted electrical stimulation to stop seizures.

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): A surgical procedure that involves implanting electrodes in specific areas of the brain to regulate electrical activity.