A
Absence
(Previously termed 'Petit Mal') A generalised seizure predominantly
seen in children - commonly mistaken for daydreaming and inattentiveness.
Characterised by staring, loss of facial expression, unresponsiveness,
cessation of activity and sometimes eye blinking or upward
eye movements - they start and end abruptly, and can last
from 2-20 seconds. There is usually an immediate recovery
of mental function and resumption of previous activity with
no memory of the event. Intelligence is normal, but if the
seizures are not treated, gaps in learning can occur due to
seizures occurring numerous times a day.
Acupuncture
Ancient Chinese medical therapy that involves
inserting fine needles and stimulating specific
regions of the body for therapeutic purposes.
Acute
Having a short and relatively severe course
of symptoms with a sudden onset.
Adversive Seizures
Rotation of the eyes, head or body during a
seizure.
Aetiology
The cause of the disease or disorder. Also spelt
etiology (US).
Afebrile
The absence of fever, normal body temperature.
Agenesis
The absence or failure of formation of an organ
or body part.
Aicardi syndrome
Is a rare genetic disorder characterised by
partial or complete absence of the connection
betweent the two hemispheres of the brain, the
corpus callosum. This only affects femalse and
the onset is generally between ages 3-5 months
with seizures called infantile spasms. Symptoms
include seizures, profound learning disabilities
and brain abnormalities such as smaller than
average brain and cavities or gaps in the brain.
Amnesia
Loss of memory. Total or partial inability to
recall past experiences.
Anticonvulsants
See antiepileptic drugs (AED's)
Antiepileptic drugs (AED's)
Also called anticonvulsants. These medications
are used to prevent the recurrence of seizures.
Aphasia
A total or partial loss of communication skills
to express oneself or understand others. This
can occur during or after seizures of dominant
hemisphere (usually the left side of the brain).
Apnoea
Interruption or absence of spontaneous breathing.
Aromatherapy
Is the use of pure aromatic oils in the management
of disease or maintenance of a health lifestyle.
It can be either diluted and massaged into the
skin or heated in an oil burner. These oils
are a mixture of plant chemicals, many which
do have pharmacological effects.
Ataxia
Poor coordination - an inability to coordinate
muscle activity during voluntary movement. This
can occur when some medication levels are too
high.
Atonic seizure
Also known as drop attacks. An atonic seizure
is a generalised seizure where body tone is
suddenly lost and the person slumps to the floor
or if sitting, it may result in a sudden head
nod. They are difficult to control with medication,
often occur in intellectually disabled people,
and often result in head and facial injuries.
Atypical Absence
Similar to an absence seizure but it may last
longer or have additional features such as repetitive
movements, jerking or falling. The EEG changes
are slightly different to absence seizures and
atypical absences are often more difficult to
control with medications.
Aura
This the start of a seizure and is actually
a simple partial seizure which involves no loss
of awareness. They can occur in isolation and
include feelings such as: strange smells, visual
disturbances, numbness, tingling, blushing,
nausea, different emotions or feelings of déjà
vu.
Automatism
Purposeless, often repetitive movements that
accompany a complex partial seizure. These include
lip smacking, chewing, picking at clothes, pill
rolling, mumbling or wandering in a confused
state.
Axon
Is a part of the neuron (nerve cell) that resembles
a cable. Nerve impulses travel along the axon
and its main function is part of the process
of communication between neurons.
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B
Barbiturate
Family of medications with a sedative effect,
used in epilepsy to prevent seizures. The most
common is Phenobarbital. Related drugs include
Prominal and Mysoline. They are effective in
management of partial and generalised tonic
–clonic seizures but ineffective for absence
seizures. Adverse side effects and reactions
make this a less preferable choice for epilepsy.
Benign
A word frequently used to indicate that a disease
process is mild or non-malignant. It usually
indicates a favourable outcome.
Benign Rolandic Epilepsy
An epilepsy syndrome seen in children. It is
characterised by partial seizures during sleep
involving sensation changes around the face
and tongue, gurgling noises may be heard by
the parents and focal jerking of facial muscles
is often seen. These sometimes progress into
a tonic-clonic seizure. There is a typical EEG,
seizures are usually infrequent, often not requiring
medication. The condition is usually outgrown
during puberty.
Benzodiazepine
Family of medications including Diazepam (Valium),
Clonazepam (Rivotril), Clobazam (Frisium), Midazolam
(Hypnovel) and Lorazepam (Ativan) which can
be used as anticonvulsants. Some are used often
in acute situations such as prolonged seizures
or clusters of seizures (status epilepticus).
The sedative effect and increased brain tolerance
levels limit their usefulness in long term therapy.
There can be respiratory problems if the dose
is too high or given too quickly and other behavioural
problems.
Brainstem
Is situated at the base of the brain and connects
the brain with the spinal cord. It controls
many functions including breathing and heart-rate,
reflexes and level of alertness.
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C
Carbamazepine
Commonly known as Tegretol or Teril. It is an
antiepileptic medication used in the treatment
of partial and generalised epilepsies, and can
also be used for nerve pain.
Catamenial epilepsy
Used to describe seizures in women that are
exacerbated or occur exclusively in association
with menstruation.
Cataplexy
A brief attack of sudden weakness which can
cause falling or head nodding. It is often triggered
by an emotional response and is associated with
a sleep disorder called narcolepsy.
Cerebrum
Refers to the largest part of the brain –
it is divided into two hemispheres (divided
by a deep groove) and four main lobes. The right
side controls what happens on the left side
of the body and vice versa.
Chromosome
One of 46 bodies in the nucleus of all body
cells that is the bearer of genes.
Chronic epilepsy
When seizures are resistant to medical management
and seizure control is not obtained. Further
investigations may need to be performed to rule
out other pathology in some cases.
Clonic seizure
The rhythmic jerking of an extremity or of the
whole body.
Clobazam
Also known as Frisium, is sometimes used in
the treatment of epilepsy. It is also used as
an anti-anxiety medication.
Clonazepam
Also known as Rivotril or Paxam. It can be used
in the management of epilepsy, but has a sedative
effect and people develop a tolerance, needing
higher doses. It is frequently used in the management
of acute prolonged or clusters of seizures (status
epilepticus)
Cognition
Mental activities associated with thinking,
learning and memory.
Comorbidity
Having two or more unrelated diseases.
Complex partial
Also termed 'focal seizures' meaning they involve
only one region of the brain. There is an impairment
of consciouseness and awareness, usually producing
a confused, vague or dreamlike appearance. Behaviour
may be inappropriate, random, repetitive and
purposeless. Common behaviours (automatisms)
include chewing, fidgeting, wandering, and vocalising.
There is a period of confusion after the seizure
and little, if any, memory for the event. They
can last from approximately 30 seconds to 3
minutes.
Convulsion
Is an older term used for a tonic-clonic seizure
('grand mal', fit and turn are also terms).
Corpus Callosum
The major structure of nerve fibres connecting
the two hemispheres of the brain.
Cortex
The outer surface of the brain - the grey matter.
CT or CAT Scan
Computerised Axial Tomography. Uses x-rays and
computer analysis to produce images of the brain
for diagnostic uses.
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D
De'ja' vu
A feeling that you have been somewhere or seen
something before, whether you have or not.
Diazepam
Also known as Valium. This medication used as
an anti-epileptic moreso in acute situations
such as status epilepticus, prolonged seizures
or febrile convulsions. In these situations
it is given intravenously or rectally. It is
also used as a sedative, muscle relaxant and
anti-anxiety agent. It is not considered for
long term management because of its sedative
and tolerance effects.
Dilantin
See Phenytoin.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid. The molecule that encodes
genetic information in the nucleus of cells.
It determines the structure, function and behaviour
of the cell.
Drop Attacks
Episodes where a person suddenly falls to the
ground without warning, often causing injury,
particularly to the head and face. When these
drop attacks are epilepsy, they are tonic or
atonic seizures.
Dysphasia
Difficulty with speech and language function.
Inability to speak words which one has in mind
or to think of correct words, or inability to
understand spoken or written words. Associated
with dysfunction of the dominant hemisphere
particularly the frontal, temporal or parietal
lobes.
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E
ECG
Electrocardiogram. A record of the electrical
activity (function) of the heart. Often done
in conjunction with an EEG.
EEG
Electroencephalogram. A diagnostic test that
records the electrical activity (function) of
the brain.
Encephalitis
Inflammation of the brain, usually caused by
a virus or bacteria.
Epidemiology
The study of the distribution and determinants
of health-related states or events in particular
populations - and the application of this study
to the control of health problems, the study
of epidemic disease.
EPC
Epilepsia Partialis Continua. A form of epilepsy
in which there is repetitive motor seizures
(jerking, twitching) involving one small area
or all of one side of the body. Consciousness
is preserved. Treatment with anti-epileptic
drugs is often not very effective; surgical
treatment should be considered. These seizures
can also be associated with Rasmussen's Encephalitis.
Epilepsy
A condition that is characterised by recurrent,
usually unprovoked seizures. The seizures are
a result of sudden abnormal electical activity
in the brain. The type of seizure will depend
on where it starts and spreads within the brain.
Epilepsy Syndrome
Is characterised by a cluster of signs and symptoms
customarily occurring together often with an
known prognosis. One syndrome can evolve into
another.
Epilim
Epilim is the trade name for the drug Sodium
Valproate. See Sodium Valproate.
Ethosuximide
Also known as Zarontin. This antiepileptic drug
is used effectively to treat absence seizures.
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F
Febrile Seizures
Also known as Febrile Convulsions.
These are tonic-clonic seizures (convulsions)
that occur in children only during a fever.
Most febrile seizures occur between the ages
of 6 months and 4 years, but are occasionally
seen in children as old as 6 or 7 years. They
may recur if the child has a fever at other
times, but do not warrant a diagnosis of epilepsy.
Felbamate
Felbamate is a very effective anti-convulsant
in many instances of relatively difficult partial
seizures; unfortunately, this drug is associated
with a prohibitively high rate of serious side
effects (aplastic anemia and hepatopathy)and
should be used only as a last resort in these
seizure types. It has also been useful in the
management of Lennox-Gastaut, but is once again
a last choice.
Fits
See Seizures.
Focal
Pertaining to one region or area (of the brain).
Focus
A local area of abnormality (in the brain),
usually where seizures begin (seizure focus).
Folic Acid
Pteridine derivative that is abundant in liver
and green plants and is a growth factor for
some bacteria. It is recommended to be taken
prior to and during early stages of pregnancy
to help prevent birth defects.
Frontal Lobe Epilepsy
An epileptic condition where seizures originate
from one of the frontal lobes. Seizures are
characterised often start and end abruptly,
with little, if any confusion afterwards. They
are likely to occur in clusters and often are
quite bizarre seizures, resulting in difficulty
obtaining a diagnosis..
G
GABA
Gaba aminobutyric acid, an important amino acid,
functions as the principle inhibitory neurotransmitter
in the central nervous system. This helps control
the nerve cells from firing too fast, which
can cause seizures. The action of GABA decreases
epileptic seizures and muscle spasms.
Gabapentin
Also known as Neurontin, Pendine and Gantin.
It is used for partial seizures and also for
nerve pain.
Genetic
A genetic disorder is an inherited disorder
- transmitted by family.
Generalised
Meaning the entire brain. A primary generalised
seizure starts simultaneously in all regions
of the brain while a secondarily generalised
seizure begins in one part of the brain before
spreading to the rest of the brain.
Genes
Contains information that codes individuals
genetic makeup and is passed on from generation
to generation.
Glioma
A type of tumour found in the central nervous
system (brain or spinal cord).
Glutamate
Major fast excitatory neurotransmitter in the
central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
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H
Hippocampal Sclerosis
Scarring which has developed in the temporal
lobe as a result of things such as; lack of
oxygen to the brain, trauma, prolonged seizures.
It is the most common cause of partial seizures
(temporal lobe epilepsy) in adults.
Hippocampus
Situated on the inner aspect of the temporal
lobe. The hippocampus is important for long
term memory storage and is often the focus of
many seizures.
Hypoxia
Lack of oxygen (below normal levels) to the
tissues and organs, including the brain.
I
Ictal (Ictus)
A seizure or during a seizure.
Idiopathic
Disease of unknown cause.
Infantile Spasms (West Syndrome)
Brief muscle spasms seen in infants characterised
by head nodding or sudden bending forward. The
seizures are brief and may be missed by casual
observers. They typically begin during the first
2 years of life, with a peak onset between 4
and 6 months of age. They are associated with
a chaotic EEG and developmental delay.
Intellectual disability
Refers to limitations in intellectual functioning
such as difficulties in learning and performing
daily life skills. It is evident before the
age of 18 years and IQ is below 70.
Interaction
In pharmacology - The effect of two or more
drugs acting on each other.
Interictal
The periods between seizures.
Intractable Seizures
Epilepsy not controlled despite adequate medication.
Isolated Seizures
A single seizure, nearly always a tonic-clonic
seizure, with no risk factors for epilepsy and
a normal neurological examination. Does no warrant
long term treatment.
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J
Jacksonian March
A motor seizure (involving muscles) starting
in one part of the body then progressing to
other parts of the body on the same side. They
can spread and become generalised. Seizures
of this type typically cause no change in awareness
or alertness. They are temporary, and short-lived.
JAE Juvenile Absence Epilepsy
A form of absence seizure with onset around
puberty. Characterised by absence seizures,
generalised tonic-clonic seizures and sometimes
myoclonic jerks.
JME Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy
This is a common form of epilepsy typically
beginning in early adolescence. It is characterised
by myoclonic jerks on awakening, and sometimes
can progress into generalised tonic-clonic seizures.
Other features include clumsiness or clouding
in the morning, and normal intelligence. EEG
is usually normal apart from the period after
awakening. It is managed easily with low doses
of anti-epileptic medication.
K
Ketogenic Diet
This is a high fat, normal protein, and low
carbohydrate diet used to treat seizures. It
is mostly used with children. The diet is based
on ketosis, a change in the body's metabolic
state in which the body burns primarily fat,
not sugar, for energy. Calories and liquid intake
are strictly limited and, to work, the diet
must be carefully and individually calculated
and rigidly controlled.
L
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Also known as Lamictal. Is an antiepileptic
medication used for the treatment of partial
and generalised seizures.
Landau- Kleffener Syndrome
Also called Acquired Epileptic Aphasia is a
rare childhood disorder in which there is speech
problems associated with seizures and severe
EEG abnormalities. It occurs more commonly in
boys than girls, usually between the ages of
4 and 7 years.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
Usually begins in preschool aged children. Secondary
generalised seizures associated with severe
brain damage which may also cause intellectual
handicap. The seizures are often difficult to
control and the child may experience a variety
of seizure types like tonic clonic, tonic, myoclonic,
atypical absences, atonic and absences.
M
MEG
Magnetic encephalograph is a research tool which
measures magnetic fields in the brain.
Midazolam
Also known as Hypnovel. It is a short acting
medication used in the management of acute or
prolonged seizures - liquid is dripped into
the nose or mouth. It is sometimes given by
injection prior to minor diagnostic and surgical
procedures.
Monotherapy
Taking only one medication.
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This imaging technique
creates detailed pictures of the inside of the
body and the brain without the use of xrays.
It is used for diagnosis and can help to identify
particular structures of the brain and detect
abnormalities.
Myoclonic seizures
These are generalised seizures characterised
by sudden, brief, muscle contractions. Often
involving the muscles of the upper body, but
can involve lower body or all groups of muscles.
Meningitis
Inflammation of the membranes of the brain and
spinal cord caused by a bacteria or virus.
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N
Narcolepsy
A sleep disorder characterised by sudden and
uncontrollable attacks of sleep, cataplexy,
sleep paralysis and hallucinations when going
off or waking up from sleep.
Neonatal seizures
Seizures occurring in the first month of life.
Neural migration defects
Epilepsy is often associated with defects that
occur during brain development when the cells
are migrating out to the cerebral cortex.
Neural tube defects
The neural tube is the tube that forms from
fusion of the neural folds from which the brain
and spinal cord arise. Defects can occur during
development of the brain and spinal cord eg.
spina bifida.
Neuroimaging
Production of images of the brain and/or spinal
cord. It can nclude computerised tomography
( CT) scanning, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI),
Photon Emission Computerised Tomography (SPECT)
and Positron Emission Tomography ( PET).
Neuron(e)
The nerve cells of the brain and nervous system.
Neurologist
A specialist in the diagnosis and treatment
of neurological disorders, including epilepsy.
Paediatric Neurologists see children.
Neurontin
See Gabapentin.
Neuropsychologist
A psychologist who specialises in the study
of the relationship between the brain and behaviour.
Test and assessment techniques are used to diagnose
specific cognitive and behavioural deficits.
This is important in determining a seizure focus.
Neurosurgeon
A surgeon who operates on the brain, spinal
cord, spinal column and nerves.
Neurotransmitter
Chemicals produced by nerve cells, necessary
for the transportation of electrical signals
in the nervous system.
Night terrors
A sleep disorder occurring mainly in young children.
During sleep the child suddenly sits up, screams
and appears terrified, but is not actually awake.
They are usually inconsolable and will resume
sleep after a 10-20 minutes with no memory of
the event in the morning.
Nocturnal Seizures
Seizures that occur during sleep.
Non-epileptic seizures
Also called pseudo-seizures or psychogenic seizures.
An event mimicking a seizure that arises from
an emotional or psychological cause, rather
than a physiological or electrical changes in
the brain. Can also occur in people with epilepsy.
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O
Occipital
Pertains to the back of the head where the occipital
lobe of the brain is located. The main function
of the occipital lobe is vision.
Oxcarbazepine
Also known as Trileptal. It is an antiepileptic
drug used in the management of partial and generalised
seizures.
P
Partial Seizures
Also known as focal, psychomotor or 'petit mal
seizures. These seizures arise from one small
region of the brain. They can often be very
subtle or bizarre, and may go unnoticed or be
confused with other events. They start in one
area of the brain and may spread to other regions
of the brain. They sometimes spread to become
a generalised seizure, termed a secondarily
generalised seizure. Two types of partial seizure
are simple (consciousness retained) and complex
(consciousness impaired).
Parietal lobe
Pertains to the part of the brain located behind
the frontal lobes, above the temporal lobes
and in front of the occipital lobes. The main
function is sensation, perception of where the
body is.
Paroxysm
Pertaining to a sudden outburst, such as the
sudden recurrence of symptoms or burst of epileptiform
activity on the EEG.
Pathophysiology
The study of how normal physiological processes
are affected by disease.
PET
Positron emission tomography. A diagnostic test
that uses a dose of radioactive glucose to measure
metabolic activity in the body and brain.
Petit Mal
An older term for absence seizures. It is sometimes
used incorrectly to refer to any seizure that
is not convulsive, eg partial seizures.
Pharmacokinetics
The study of the metabolism and action of drugs
in the body. It involves absorption, duration
of action, distribution in the body, and method
of elimination.
Phenobarbitone
A barbiturate drug sometimes used to treat seizures,
particularly in the short-term or acute situations.
It is also used for sedation.
Phenytoin
Also known as Dilantin. It is used in the treatment
of partial and generalised seizures.
Photosensitive epilepsy
A form of epilepsy in which seizures can be
triggered by flashing or flickering lights,
television, and geometric shapes or patterns.
This type of epilepsy is uncommon and there
is evidence that it is inherited.
Photic stimulation
Using strobe or flashing lights at different
frequencies during an EEG to detect photosensitive
epilepsy.
Polytherapy
Taking more than one medication.
Post-ictal
The period following a seizure. During this
time a person may be confused and drowsy.
Predisposition
To be more susceptible to a disease or condition.
Prognosis
The outcome of a medical condition such as,
the chances the condition will improve, remain
unchanged or worsen.
Pseudoseizure
A term referring to non-epileptic seizures,
no longer used. See non-epileptic seizures.
Psychomotor Seizures
An older term for complex partial seizures.
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R
Reading epilepsy
A reflex epilepsy where seizures are triggered
by reading. There is jerking of the jaw, which
can evolve to a generalised seizure, especially
if the person keeps reading. There is a genetic
basis and a positive family history in about
25% of cases.
Reflex epilepsy
Seizures that are triggered by a specific form
of stimulus such as photosensitive epilepsy,
reading epilepsy, and hot water epilepsy. The
stimuli reported to trigger seizures include
flashing lights (photosensitivity) and other
visual stimuli, startle, bathing in hot water,
music reading and movement.
Rolandic epilepsy
Also known as benign focal epilepsy of childhood
or Sylvian fissure epilepsy. Age of onset between
4 – 10 yrs. Seizures are simple partial
(usually involving the face and mouth), are
seen during sleep and they sometimes secondarily
generalise. Most people have infrequent seizures
which do not need medication. This condition
is usually outgrown around puberty.
S
Secondarily generalised seizure
A seizure with a focal onset (partial seizure)
which spreads to involve the whole brain and
become a generalised seizure - almost always
a tonic-clonic seizure.
Seizure
A seizure is a disruption in the normal pattern
of electrical impulses in the brain. This can
cause changes in sensation, awareness, and behaviour,
or sometimes convulsions, muscle spasms or loss
of consciousness, depending on where the seizure
starts and spreads in the brain.
Simple partial seizure
These seizures involve no loss of consciousness.
Many people term them an 'aura' or warning.
The symptoms can include; numbness, tingling,
blushing, pallor, nausea, dejavu, strange tastes
or smells, different emotions, twitching or
jerking of a limb. They start in one area of
the brain and may spread to other regions of
the brain.
Sodium Valproate
Also known as Epilim or Valpro. Used in the
management of generalised seizures and in partial
seizures. Can also be used to treat mood disorders,
particularly mania.
SPECT
Single Photon Emission Computerised Tomography.
A diagnostic scan where a radioactive isotope
is injected to determine blood flow. During
a seizure there is increased blood flow in the
region of the brain where a seizure begins.
Inbetween seizures, the bloodflow is reduced
in this area. The SPECT is performed on people
with epilepsy who are working up for possible
surgery for epilepsy. Scanning can help determine
the origin of the seizure.
Spike and wave complex
An EEG pattern which is characteristic in some
forms of epilepsy and may be seen in some people
with epilepsy.
Status epilepticus
Is a condition where there is a prolonged seizure
or repeated seizures without regaining consciousness
for 30 mins or more. They can be convulsive
or non-convulsive and can be life-threatening.
Sturge-Weber Syndrome
Sturge Weber Syndrome is a congenital abnormality
typically involving a facial birthmark (called
a port wine stain or angioma) and a leptomeningeal
angioma (or birthmark on the brain). Glaucoma
can also be present. Neurological symptoms can
include seizures, developmental delay or intellectual
disability, hemiparesis (weakening of one side
of the body) and hemianopia (deficit in vision).
The facial port wine stain is typically on the
forehead and upper eyelid however variations
of this can occur. The brain involvement is
mostly on one side but can also be on both sides
of the brain. Bilateral brain involvement can
increase the risk of greater neurological impairment.
Seizures can be severe and difficult to control.
Age of onset, type of seizures and response
to treatment can all play a role in the potential
outcome. Each case of SWS is individual and
displays the possible symptoms in varying fashion.
It is difficult to predict potential outcomes
from the diagnosing features. Further information
can be found at http://www.austsws.com
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T
Tegretol
Also known as Teril or Carbamazepine. See Carbamazepine.
Telemetry - video EEG
A technique for recording seizures on video
with simultaneous EEG; changes in behavior can
be correlated with changes in the EEG; useful
in making the diagnosis of epilepsy and localising
the seizure focus. Useful in diagnosis and assessment
for surgery for epilepsy.
Temporal lobe
The lobes in the brain situated beneath the
temples. Seizures commonly originate in this
region in the partial epilepsies. The temporal
lobe is associated with memory, speech, language,
learning and behaviour.
Tiagabine
Also known as Gabitril. Used in partial and
secondarily generalised seizures.
Tic
Repeated involuntary contractions of muscles,
such as sniffing, clearing the throat, rapid
head jerks or eye blinks; may be under partial
voluntary control (ie can be temporarily supressed).
Not epilepsy.
Todd's paralysis
Weakness or paralysis occurring in one limb
or one side of the body after a seizure. Todd's
paralysis after a seizure is usually resolved
in one or two hours but may, on occasion, continue
for several days. It always disappears completely.
Topirimate
Also known as Topamax. Used in partial and secondarily
generalised seizures, and tonic-clonic seizures.
Also used in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Tonic-clonic seizure
Previously called "Grand Mal" and
also termed convulsion or fit. These are the
most universally recognised seizures. They often
begin with a sudden cry and loss of consciousness.
The body becomes quite stiff (tonic) shortly
followed by jerking of the muscles (clonic).
The seizure usually lasts no more than 2 minutes
and is followed by a period of confusion, agitation
or sleep. Headaches and soreness are common
afterwards.
Tonic seizure
Also termed 'drop attack'. Muscles of the body
briefly stiffen simultaneously, and if standing,
the person will crash to the ground. These often
happen in sleep. More likely to be seen in people
with severe epilepsy.
Tuberous sclerosis (Bourneville's syndrome)
Is an inherited condition which benign tumors
affect the brain, eyes, skin and internal organs.
Epilepsy occurs in 80% of cases, and the type
of seizures are strongly age related.
Tumour
A growth of abnormal tissue characterised by
progressive, uncontrolled proliferation of cells.
V
Vagal Nerve Stimulation
VNS uses intermittent stimulation of the left
vagus nerve in the neck to reduce the frequency
and intensity of seizures. A programmable generator
(like a pacemaker) is surgically placed under
the skin in the chest with a stimulating lead
attached to the vagus nerve. The stimulator
frequency is tailored on an individual basis.
Video EEG telemetry
See Telemetry - video EEG
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W
Wada test
An test used occasionally prior to surgery for
epilepsy. It is used to determine the area of
speech, memory and language in the brain.
West syndrome
See Infantile spasms
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Understand Epilepsy
