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Epilepsy
Epilepsy Sudden and recurrent disturbances in mental function, state of consciousness, sensory activity, or movements of the body, caused by paroxysmal malfunction of cerebral nerve cells. Epilepsy includes generalized convulsions in which there is sudden unconsciousness with falling and shaking of limbs, momentary lapses of awareness, and local movements and sensations in parts of the body, as well as other types of activity that may include bizarre automatic behaviour, strange memories, illusory and hallucinatory experiences, and changes in mood.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Cerebral
Referring to the cerebrum.
Nerve
Tissue that conveys sensation, temperature, position information to the brain.
Epilepsy
Sudden and recurrent disturbances in mental function, state of consciousness, sensory activity, or movements of the body, caused by paroxysmal malfunction of cerebral nerve cells. Epilepsy includes generalized convulsions in which there is sudden unconsciousness with falling and shaking of limbs, momentary lapses of awareness, and local movements and sensations in parts of the body, as well as other types of activity that may include bizarre automatic behaviour, strange memories, illusory and hallucinatory experiences, and changes in mood.
Local
In the area of the tumor; confined to one specific area.
Mood
A pervasive and sustained emotion that colors the perception of the world. Common examples of mood include depression, elation, anger, and anxiety. In contrast to affect, which refers to more fluctuating changes in emotional "weather," mood refers to a more pervasive and sustained emotional "climate." Types of mood include: dysphoric, elevated, euthymic, expansive, irritable.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Epilation
Removal of body hair, including the hair root, by means of electrical device, tweezer, or wax. Epilation may be performed by a dermatologist, but is more commonly done for cosmetic purposes by a facial technologist or esthetician. After epilation the skin may be particularly sensitive. Also called depilation.
Epilepsy, Jacksonian
A brief alteration in movement, sensation or nerve function caused by abnormal electrical activity in a localized area of the brain. Seizures of this type typically cause no change in awareness or alertness. They are transient, fleeting, ephemeral. Jacksonian seizures are extremely varied and may involve, for example, apparently purposeful movements such as turning the head, eye movements, smacking the lips, mouth movements, drooling, rhythmic muscle contractions in a part of the body, abnormal numbness, tingling, and a crawling sensation over the skin. Jacksonian seizures are a form of epilepsy.
Epilepsy, juvenile myoclonic
A form of epilepsy that occurs between the ages of eight and 26, most commonly in the teenage years. It is characterized by jerking (myoclonic) movements of the arms and upper torso, without loss of consciousness. Seizures are most likely to occur while awakening from sleep. Many children with this disorder are sensitive to light (photosensitive), and may have myoclonic jerks or seizures when exposed to bright light. Diagnosis is by observation and by EEG. During a myoclonic seizure, polyspike-wave discharges over a normal EEG background are seen. Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy appears to be an inheritable genetic disorder, with the gene located on chromosome 6. Treatment is with anti- seizure medications.
Epilepsy, partial
A seizure that affects only one part of the brain. Symptoms will depend on which part is affected: one part of the body, or multiple body parts confined to one side of the body, may start to twitch uncontrollably. Partial seizures may involve head turning, eye movements, lip smacking, mouth movements, drooling, rhythmic muscle contractions in a part of the body, apparently purposeful movements, abnormal numbness, tingling, and a crawling sensation over the skin. Partial seizures can also include sensory disturbances, such as smelling or hearing things that are not there, or having a sudden flood of emotions. Although the patient may feel confused, consciousness is not lost. Also known as focal or local seizures.
Epilepsy, temporal-lobe
Epilepsy that is characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the temporal lobe of the brain. This activity does not cause grand mal seizures; rather, it causes unusual behaviors and patterns of cognition. Temporal lobe epilepsy may, for example, cause sudden outbursts of unexpected aggression or agitation, or it may be characterized by aura-like phenomena. The seizures of temporal-lobe epilepsy often start in childhood. Temporal lobe epilepsy is difficult to diagnose because temporal lobe seizures may not show up on an EEG. The diagnosis may instead be made through observation of symptoms or the use of brain imaging technology. Temporal lobe epilepsy may be treated with the same antiseizure medications that are used for other forms of epilepsy. Surgery is also an option to control seizures and preclude unnecessary disability.
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Embryo
The early stages of development before an organism becomes self supporting.
Edema
Accumulation of abnormal quantities of fluid in spaces between the cells of the body. Edema can accumulate in almost any location in the body. Most common sites include the feet and ankles.
Erectile dysfunction
A man's consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection during intercourse; commonly known as impotence.
Ependymoma
Ependymal tumors are tumors that begin in the ependyma, the cells that line the passageways in the brain where special fluid that protects the brain and spinal cord (called cerebrospinal fluid) is made and stored. There are different kinds of ependymal tumors, which are defined by how the cells look under a microscope.
Esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer is cancer of the esophagus. The esophagus is a hollow tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. When a person swallows, the muscular walls of the esophagus contract to push food down into the stomach. Glands in the lining of the esophagus produce mucus, which keeps the passageway moist and makes swallowing easier. The esophagus is located just behind the trachea (windpipe). In an adult, the esophagus is about 10 inches (25 cm) long.
Epilepsy
Eating disorders
A group of disorders in which there are significant disturbances in eating. Two common examples are Anorexia Nervosa, a refusal to maintain an acceptable body weight for one’s age and height: and Bulimia Nervosa, uncontrollable binge eating which may be followed by purging the food through self-induced vomiting, laxatives or diuretics.
Emotional disorders
A psychological disorder characterized by maladjustive emotional reactions such as irrational or uncontrollable fears, persistent anxiety, or extreme hostility.
Erythematous
Redness of the skin caused by congestion of the capillaries, often due to inflammation or infection.
Epinephrine
One of two chemicals (the other is norepinephrine) released by the adrenal gland that increases the speed and force of heart beats. It dilates the airways to improve breathing and narrows blood vessels in the skin and intestine so that an increased flow of blood reaches the muscles and allows them to cope with the demands of exercise.
Endoplasmic reticulum
A network or system of folded membranes and interconnecting tubules distributed within the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. The membranes form enclosed or semienclosed spaces. The endoplasmic reticulum functions in storage and transport, and as a point of attachment of ribosomes during protein synthesis.
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