Selected Epilepsy Terms and Definitions
Aura
A generic term for a warning. A colloquial term for simple partial seizure. Used indiscriminately for many types of spells (simple or complex partial seizure, myoclonic seizures of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy)
Anticonvulsant
A drug used to treat convulsions (tonic, clonic, tonic-clonic seizures) either acutely or chronically. Not synonymous with antiepileptic drug.
Antiepileptic
A drug used to treat the chronic condition of Epilepsy. Not drug (AED) synonymous with anticonvulsant. Non-intravenous route.
Automatism
A purposeful, but irrelevant, activity during or shortly following a seizure. The spectrum of these activities is wide, but follow general rules of stereotypy and short duration. Not premeditated, or requiring higher cognitive functions. Not directed violence.
Epilepsy
A clinical paroxysmal disorder of recurring seizures, excluding alcohol or drug withdrawal seizures or such recurring exogenous events as repeated insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Recurring seizures from brain tumors or strokes is epilepsy.
Grand Mal
The French term used in the 1800's to describe a big spell. Still used today to describe most seizures (complex partial, convulsive, atonic).
Myoclonic
A single extensor movement of a limb. Only infants can have flexor myoclonic seizures.
Petit Mal
The French term used in the 1800's to describe a small spell. Still used today to describe absence seizures (as well as atypical absence, simple partial, myoclonic).
Seizure
An abnormal firing of cerebral neurons, which may or may not have a clinical manifestation. Electrographically, a pattern of seconds to minutes which has a beginning and end and undergoes a transition (exception is a myoclonic seizure). Excludes status and physiologic states such as sleep.
Status
A pathological state different from a single seizure by the absence epilepticus or reduction of inhibitory processes to terminate the seizure. Applies to any seizure type. The length of time required to differentiate seizure from status is both empirical and practical. Convulsive, myoclonic status: 10-30 minutes. Longer in complex partial or "absence" status since the diagnosis is dependent on clinical suspicion and EEG.
Tonic
Sustained contraction of one or more muscle groups, independent of position (i.e. can be flexed, extended, or opisthotonic).