epilepsy

[ep-uh-lep-see]

noun

Pathology.

1. a disorder of the nervous system, characterized either by mild, episodic loss of attention or sleepiness petit mal or by severe convulsions with loss of consciousness grand mal.

epilepsy

/ ˈɛpɪˌlɛpsɪ /

noun

1. a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by periodic loss of consciousness with or without convulsions. In some cases it is due to brain damage but in others the cause is unknown See also grand mal petit mal

epilepsy

1. Any of various neurological disorders characterized by recurrent seizures. Epilepsy is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

epilepsy

1. A disorder of the brain characterized by sudden, recurring attacks of abnormal brain function, often resulting in convulsions or seizures. The seizures associated with epilepsy can sometimes be controlled by medication.

Word History and Origins

Origin of epilepsy¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Old French epilepsie, from Late Latin epilēpsia, from Greek epilēpsía “epileptic seizure,” derivative of epilambánein “to take hold of, seize, attack”; epi-, -lepsy ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of epilepsy¹

C16: from Late Latin epilēpsia, from Greek, from epilambanein to attack, seize, from lambanein to take

Example Sentences

She said he was in "constant" pain, his epilepsy had worsened, he was at risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, and he struggled to chew food, sometimes leading to choking.

From BBC

Alex Davies was initially treated for epilepsy but months later scans revealed he had a brain tumour and was told he may only have 12 to 18 months to live.

From BBC

"When she lost her voice, I just thought, these ain't signs of epilepsy, there's got to be something else."

From BBC

"I asked if I could do one for me because my son Tommy was diagnosed with epilepsy last year," she said.

From BBC

She didn't know the new drug she'd been prescribed - which is used to treat epilepsy and migraine - could cause rapid weight loss, nor that it should have been monitored by her GP.

From BBC

Related Words

• contraction 
• cramp 
• paroxysm 
• seizure 
• tremor