absence seizure

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Explanation of "Absence Seizure"

Definition: An "absence seizure" is a type of seizure that causes a brief loss of awareness or consciousness. During this time, the person may not respond to others and might have small movements like fluttering eyelids or slight twitching. These seizures are often very short, lasting just a few seconds, and the person usually does not remember what happened during the seizure.

Usage Instructions

• Part of Speech: Noun
• How to Use: You can use "absence seizure" when talking about epilepsy or seizures in general. It is mainly used in medical contexts or when discussing health issues.

Advanced Usage

In medical discussions, you might hear terms like "petit mal epilepsy," which refers specifically to a type of epilepsy that includes absence seizures.

Word Variants

• Absence (noun): The state of being away or not present.
• Seizure (noun): A sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain, which can cause changes in behavior, movements, or feelings.

Different Meanings

• Absence on its own can mean not being present in a place (e.g., "His absence from school was noted by the teacher.")
• Seizure can also refer to the act of taking hold of something, like the seizure of property by authorities.

Synonyms

• For Absence: Nonattendance, lack, unavailability
• For Seizure: Attack, convulsion (in the context of seizures)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While there are no idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "absence seizure," here are some related phrases:

Summary

An "absence seizure" is a medical term that describes a brief loss of awareness, often seen in people with epilepsy. It’s important to use this term accurately, especially in health-related discussions.

Academic

Noun

1. the occurrence of an abrupt, transient loss or impairment of consciousness (which is not subsequently remembered), sometimes with light twitching, fluttering eyelids, etc.; common in petit mal epilepsy

Synonyms

• absence