What it means
A disorder of the brain's electrical activity in which seizureSEE-zherA sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that changes movement, feeling, behavior or awareness.Full entry happen again and again, not caused by something passing such as a fever, low blood sugar or alcohol withdrawal. It is diagnosed after two or more unprovoked seizures, or one with a high chance of more. Seizures vary from brief staring spells to full-body jerking with loss of consciousness. An electroencephalogramih-lek-troh-en-SEF-uh-loh-gramA test that records the electrical activity of the brain through small sensors placed on the scalp.electr/o electricityencephal/o brain-gram recordFull entry (EEG) helps confirm it, and most people control it with antiseizure drugs.
For the nurse
Use seizure precautions as ordered. During a seizure, stay with the client, time it, ease them to the floor or keep them in bed, turn them onto their side and put nothing in the mouth. Teach the client to take drugs every day, not to stop them suddenly and to follow local driving rules.
At a glance
| Spanish | epilepsia |
|---|---|
| Also written | epileptic |
Related terms
seizure
A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that changes movement, feeling, behavior or awareness.
consciousness
The state of being awake and aware of oneself and one's surroundings.
electroencephalogram
A test that records the electrical activity of the brain through small sensors placed on the scalp.