Dictionary

seizure, focal See seizure, partial.

seizure, grand mal See seizure, tonic-clonic.

seizure, Jacksonian A form of seizure that involves brief alterations in movement, sensation, or nerve function that is caused by abnormal electrical activity in a localized area of the brain. Jacksonian seizures typically cause no change in awareness or alertness. They are transient, fleeting, and ephemeral.

seizure, local See seizure, partial.

seizure, myoclonic A seizure that is characterized by jerking (myoclonic) movements of a muscle or muscle group, without loss of consciousness.

seizure, partial A seizure that affects only one part of the brain. Symptoms depend on which part of the brain 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,…

seizure, petit mal See seizure, absence.

seizure, tonic-clonic The most obvious type of seizure, which has two parts: the tonic phase (in which the body becomes rigid) and the clonic phase (in which there is uncontrolled jerking). Tonicclonic seizures may or may not be preceded by auras, and they are often followed by headache, confusion, and sleep. They may last for…

seizure disorder One of a great many medical conditions that are characterized by episodes of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain (seizures). Some seizure disorders are hereditary, and others are caused by birth defects or environmental hazards, such as lead poisoning. Seizure disorders are more likely to develop in patients who have other neurological disorders,…

sclerosis Localized hardening of skin. Sclerosis is generally caused by underlying diseases, such as diabetes and scleroderma. Treatment is directed toward the cause.

sclerotherapy The injection of a chemical irritant into a vein to sclerose (“harden”) it. The chemical irritates the lining of the vein, causing it to swell and the blood to clot. The vein turns into scar tissue that fades from view. Blood flow shifts to nearby healthy blood vessels. Sclerotherapy may be done to treat…

scoliosis Lateral (sideways) curving of the spine. The degree of scoliosis may range from mild to severe. Of every 1,000 children, 3 to 5 develop spinal curvature that is considered severe enough to need treatment. Adolescent idiopathic (of unknown cause) scoliosis is the most common type and appears after the age of 10, commonly in…