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”; 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

The Epilepsy Society has already identified three deaths in the last two years where a lack of medication was a contributing factor.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

Epilepsy affects approximately 40,000 people in Ireland, with one in three people unable to control seizures through medication.

From Science Daily • Nov. 25, 2024

Daniel Jennings, senior policy and campaigns officer at Epilepsy Action, said the charity was also urging the government to reconsider its decision.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2024

Epilepsy, for example, was initially dismissed by the medical community before being taken seriously as an illness, said Jamie Saltzer, director of scientific and medical outreach at #MEAction, which advocates for people with ME/CFS.

From Salon • Oct. 11, 2023

Epilepsy and other forms of convulsions simulate chorea in appearance.

From Special Report on Diseases of the Horse by Michener, Charles B.

Related Words

• contraction
• cramp
• paroxysm
• seizure
• tremor