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 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

Coroner Kerrie Burge said there was no evidence that Anna, who had a history of childhood epilepsy, had a seizure at any time and concluded she died following immersion in water.

From BBC

Tomas Cozens, 25, is one of about 20,000 people who were left disabled at birth by epilepsy medicine which was given to pregnant women.

From BBC

Ms Rannigan suffers from epilepsy and said she was surprised that there were no strobe light/flash warnings either verbally or on signage.

From BBC

Scientists subsequently have discovered genetic mutations that cause some of the most severe forms of epilepsy.

From Salon

Related Words

• contraction 
• cramp 
• paroxysm 
• seizure 
• tremor