Glossary​

Tonic seizures

(tän-i(k))

Common search terms:

Atonic seizures

(a-taa-nik)

  • May be referred to as a “drop attack” or “drop seizure”
  • Person has a sudden loss of muscle tone and goes limp
  • Mild seizures look like a head nod or drop, while severe seizures can cause a person to fall to the ground
  • People with these types of seizures may wear helmets to protect from injuries

Common search terms:

Subscribe to Drop/fall
Glossary/Tab/Desktop

Go to the seizure library to learn about specific seizure terms.

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Autism
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  • Autism is more common in males than females, with an estimated ratio of around 3:1 
Cerebral palsy
  • A neuromotor disorder caused by an injury to the developing brain before or shortly following birth 
  • Development of movement, muscle tone, and posture can be affected 
Developmental delays
  • Refers to when a child does not achieve developmental milestones in comparison to peers of the same age range 
  • Examples include lack of engagement with age-appropriate toys, speech delays, or other delays identified by a doctor 
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
  • A diagnostic test that measures electrical activity in the brain using small electrodes attached to the scalp 
  • It is commonly used to detect abnormalities related to epilepsy and other neurological disorders 
Epileptologist
  • A neurologist who has undergone specific training in the diagnosis and management of epilepsy 
  • Epileptologists focus on the management of patients with epilepsy 
Genetic mutation
  • A permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene 
  • Some genetic mutations are hereditary, while others occur spontaneously 
  • Certain mutations are linked to specific medical conditions, including some forms of epilepsy 
Immune disorders
  • Disorders that result from a dysfunction in the immune system, which may be overactive or underactive 
  • Some immune disorders are thought to contribute to the development of epilepsy and other neurological conditions 
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS)
  • Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a rare form of epilepsy that usually begins in childhood and is associated with multiple kinds of seizures
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  • These disorders can be genetic and may lead to a variety of health issues, including developmental delays and neurological symptoms 
Neurologist
  • A medical specialist who diagnoses, manages, and treats disorders of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, neuromuscular junction, and muscles 
  • Neurologists often serve as the first point of contact for patients with neurological symptoms 
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  • Paroxysmal fast rhythms have traditionally been associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome 
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  • May also be referred to as “uncontrolled,” “intractable,” or “drug-resistant” epilepsy 
  • Occurs when a person has failed to become (and stay) seizure free with adequate trials of 2 appropriately selected antiseizure medications 
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  • A questionnaire-based tool developed by experts to improve both the identification and treatment of patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS)
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  • Refers to a pattern seen on an electroencephalogram (EEG) characterized by slow, high-amplitude spike-and-wave discharges 
  • This pattern is often associated with specific types of epilepsy, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS)
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)
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