seizure terminology

Seizure (Sz)

State of excessive neuronal discharge due to too much excitation, too little inhibition, or hyperirritable neurons that discharge spontaneously.

Epilepsy

Two or more recurring seizures not directly provoked by intracranial infection, drug withdrawal, acute metabolic changes, or fevers.

Ictus

The seizure itself.

Interictal

The period between seizures.

Postictal

The period after the seizure ends when the patient may be confused; can involve changes in EEG, and may feature Todd’s paralysis.

Aura

A warning experienced by the patient that a seizure might be imminent, often occurring as a focal seizure with no loss of consciousness.

Idiopathic epilepsy

Seizures for which the cause is unknown.

Refractory

A seizure disorder that is hard to manage or control, failing to respond to two medications.

Paroxysmal

Characterized by a well-defined onset and termination of clinical manifestations.

Electrical decremental

A state when the EEG is severely attenuated, possibly during a seizure.

Automatisms

Seemingly purposeful movements occurring without the patient's awareness, such as lip smacking or fidgeting.

Autonomic symptoms of a seizure

Symptoms such as rising epigastric sensation, changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and vomiting during a seizure.

Dysmnesic symptoms

Impaired memory or psychic symptoms during a seizure; includes distortions of memory or feelings of déjà vu.

Dejà vu

The sensation that one has experienced something before, while 'jamais vu' refers to familiar things suddenly feeling unfamiliar.

Olfactory symptoms of a seizure

Bad smells experienced during a seizure, like burnt rubber or molasses.

Auditory symptoms of a seizure

Sounds experienced during a seizure such as humming, buzzing, or roaring.

Gustatory sensations of a seizure

Experiencing a bad taste in the mouth during a seizure.

Symptoms in a motor strip seizure

Jerking of arms or legs, with possible head and trunk turning based on the seizure focus.

Symptoms in a somatosensory seizure

Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, and temperature changes.

Electrographic (E#)

Terms used to describe a seizure on an EEG: location, amplitude, frequency, morphology, and evolution.

Clinical (C#)

Description of the patient's manifestations during a seizure, including variations in motor and sensory responses.

Jamis Vu

familiar things are suddenly unfamiliar and confusing