epilepsy

American  

[ep-uh-lep-see] / ˈɛp əˌlɛp si /

noun

Pathology.

epilepsies plural

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 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

---

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.

---

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.

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• epilepsies
  plural

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”; see epi-, -lepsy ( def. )

Explanation

If you have epilepsy, you have a central nervous system disorder that may cause you to lose consciousness and have convulsions. The noun epilepsy comes from the Greek word epilēpsia, which itself means seizure. Not all seizures are caused by epilepsy, but an epileptic seizure occurs when a strong electrical disturbance occurs in the brain. The severity and intensity of the seizures depend on many factors and are unique to each person. It may be possible to control seizures through medication, although not everyone with epilepsy will respond to medication. People with uncontrolled epilepsy should not drive.

Example Sentences

She has not had a seizure since 2017 but will remain on epilepsy medication for the rest of her life.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2026

The recordings were made while patients undergoing epilepsy surgery were under general anesthesia.

From Science Daily • Jun. 29, 2026

Campos said her 44-year-old mother has asthma, her 9-year-old brother has epilepsy, and her 68-year-old grandmother is battling cancer.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 21, 2026

Campos said her 44-year-old mother has asthma, her 9-year-old brother has epilepsy, and her 68-year-old grandmother is battling cancer.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 21, 2026

Ever since then, the dove has been able to give epilepsy to humans.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer

Related Words

• contraction
• cramp
• paroxysm
• seizure
• tremor