epilepsy

American  

[ep-uh-lep-see] / ˈɛp əˌlɛp si /

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.

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epilepsy British  

/ 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

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epilepsy Scientific  

/ ĕp′ə-lĕp′sē /

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

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epilepsy Cultural  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of epilepsy

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. )

Example Sentences

He was probably afflicted by epilepsy, a condition that usually went unnamed to avoid public shame.

From The Wall Street Journal

The girl has severe cerebral palsy, is unable to walk or talk, has severe visual impairment and epilepsy, and requires continuous 24-hour care.

From BBC

Amid the stress, she was diagnosed with epilepsy, which added some big healthcare bills to her woes.

From The Wall Street Journal

One, a 29-year-old self-employed publicist in Los Angeles requires medication for epilepsy.

From Los Angeles Times

Although the ketogenic diet was first developed as a treatment for epilepsy, it has become widely popular in recent years for weight loss and for managing conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• contraction
• cramp
• paroxysm
• seizure
• tremor