Epilepsy

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

A chronic neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, unprovoked seizures resulting from abnormal, excessive, or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain; epilepsy encompasses a spectrum of seizure types — from brief lapses of awareness (absence seizures) to prolonged convulsions — and has multiple underlying causes including genetic factors, brain injury, infection, and structural abnormalities.

Examples

• Her epilepsy was well-controlled with medication, allowing her to drive and live independently.
• The neurologist ordered an EEG to map the abnormal electrical activity causing his epilepsy.

Synonyms: seizure disorder, convulsive disorder