Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

epilepsy, akinetic
A seizure disorder that is
characterized by drop seizures, in which the patient
experiences a temporary loss of consciousness and
lack of movement (akinesia).
epilepsy, benign rolandic
The most common
type of partial seizure disorder, which is usually
characterized by partial seizures during sleep. The
only outward sign of benign rolandic epilepsy may
be movements of the face and mouth or staring
spells. Benign rolandic epilepsy begins between the
ages of 2 and 13 years, and it is called benign
because it remits on its own by adulthood.
Diagnosis is made through observation and via
sleep-deprived or 24-hour EEG. On an EEG, benign
rolandic epilepsy shows blunted, high-voltage cen-
tral temporal (“rolandic”) spiking, followed by
slow waves. Treatment with antiseizure medications
may or may not be necessary. Also known as benign
rolandic epilepsy of childhood (BREC) and benign
partial epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes. See
also 
seizure, partial.
epilepsy, grand mal
Epilepsy that includes
tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, which are the
most obvious type of seizure. There are two parts to
a tonic-clonic seizure. In the tonic phase, the body
becomes rigid, and in the clonic phase, there is
uncontrolled jerking. A tonic-clonic seizure may or
may not be preceded by an aura, and these seizures
are often followed by headache, confusion, and
sleep. They may last for mere seconds or continue
for several minutes. If a tonic-clonic seizure does
not resolve or if such seizures follow each other in
rapid succession, emergency help is needed
because the patient could be in a life-threatening
state known as status epilepticus. Treatment is with
antiseizure medications.
epilepsy, Jacksonian
A seizure disorder that is
characterized by progressive spreading of abnormal
sensations or movements from one local area of the
body to more widespread areas. Jacksonian
epilepsy is caused by the progressive spread of
abnormal electrical activity in the motor cortex of
the brain. Seizures of this type typically cause no
change in awareness or alertness. They are tran-
sient, fleeting, and ephemeral. Jacksonian seizures
are extremely varied and may involve, for example,
apparently purposeful movements such as turning
of the head, eye movements, smacking of the lips,
mouth movements, drooling, rhythmic muscle con-
tractions in a part of the body, abnormal numbness,
tingling, and a crawling sensation over the skin.
Diagnosis is made through observation and EEG.
Treatment, if necessary, is with antiseizure medica-
tions. Also called Jacksonian seizure disorder. See
also 
seizure, partial.