Glossary

Absence seizure

A type of generalised seizure, previously known as ‘petit mal’. These seizures typically are a very brief lapse of consciousness, so brief that they may go unnoticed, and are characterised by blank staring.

Atonic seizure

Also a type of generalised seizure sometimes referred to as a ‘drop attack’. There is a sudden loss of muscle tone that may cause falling.

Aura

A seizure aura is a feeling or sensation you may experience during the initial phase of a focal seizure.

Automatism

A repetitive, automatic movement during or after seizures – e.g. fiddling with clothes, or repeated swallowing.

Cognitive

To do with the thinking processes. It includes memory, problem-solving etc.

Complex partial seizure

An old term for a focal seizure that occurs in part of the brain and impairs consciousness.

Convulsion

An older term for seizure (especially a tonic-clonic).

CT scan (Computerized tomography)

A CT scan uses X-rays to take pictures of your brain. These can detect tumours, bleeding or cysts that could be causing epilepsy.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

This test involves being ‘wired-up’ with electrodes (we’ve heard kids call it the ‘funny hat’ test) to measure the brain’s electrical activity. It is a very important diagnostic tool for epilepsy.

EMMP (Emergency Medication Management Plan)

When someone is prescribed an emergency medication by the treating doctor for their epilepsy this information should be contained in an Emergency Medication Management Plan (EMMP). The plan should be completed by the doctor who provides the epilepsy medical management or prescribes the medication.

EMP (Epilepsy Management Plan)

A document that details the specifics of your condition and treatment, to equip the people around you and first responders with the information they need, should you experience a seizure.

Focal seizure

Seizures which occur when the seizure activity occurs in only part of the brain.

Functional MRI (fMRI)

A functional MRI is often used ahead of surgery, measuring the changes in blood flow that happen as we use specific parts of our brain. They can help identify the exact locations of critical functions, such as speech and movement, so that surgeons can avoid those areas while operating.

Generalised seizure

Where the seizure activity affects the whole brain. Common generalised seizures include tonic-clonic seizures and absence seizures.

High-density EEG

Electrodes are placed closer together than in a conventional EEG, to help more precisely determine the areas of your brain that are being affected by seizures.

Ictal

The period during a seizure. (Interictal – the time between seizures; postictal – the time immediately after a seizure).

Infantile spasms

A type of seizure (characterised by brief, sudden flexion of the head, trunk and limbs) found in infancy and early childhood.

Ketogenic diet

A high-fat diet sometimes used to control seizures.

MEG scan (Magnetoencephalography)

This non-invasive test measures the magnetic fields produced by brain activity to identify areas where seizures are potentially starting. It’s often used in conjunction with other imaging methods like EEG, MRI, or PET scans to provide a more comprehensive view of brain activity.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A scanning technique which uses a strong magnet rather than x-rays. It gives a picture with clearer definition than a CT scan but is more difficult to access than a CT scan in some areas of Queensland.

Myoclonic seizure

Involves a brief, sudden jerk – usually symmetric, of the muscles in the upper limbs and body.

Neuropsychological tests

These tests can help determine which areas of the brain are being affected by seizures, by assessing thinking, memory and speech skills.

PET scan (Positron emission tomography)

PET scans use a small amount of low-dose radioactive material, injected into a vein to help trace metabolic activity throughout the brain – areas with low metabolism may be indicative of seizure activity.

Photosensitive epilepsy

A type of reflex epilepsy where light, particularly flashing lights (e.g. strobes) may cause seizures. Only a small percentage of people with epilepsy (approx. 3%) have photosensitive epilepsy.

Psychogenic seizures

Seizures which are psychological in their origin, but this is not to say that they are brought on consciously. Video EEG monitoring is of assistance in identifying seizures of this kind.

Reflex epilepsy

When seizures are triggered by sensory stimuli (as is the case with photosensitive epilepsy).

Seizure

A temporary, sudden change in the electrical and chemical activity in the brain which causes a change in behaviour, thought or sensation.

Simple partial seizures

An older term for a focal seizure that does not impair consciousness.

SPECT scan (Single-photon emission computerized tomography)

This type of test can be used if an MRI and EEG were unable to identify the part of the brain where the seizures start. A small amount of low-dose radioactive material is injected into a vein to create a detailed map of blood flow during seizures, specifically looking for areas of atypically high movement.