Definition

Noun: A type of epileptic seizure that involves widespread electrical disturbances across both hemispheres of the brain from the onset, typically resulting in loss of consciousness and often involving motor convulsions affecting the entire body.

Usage

The term "generalized seizure" is used in medical contexts, particularly in neurology, to classify and describe a major category of epileptic events. It contrasts with "focal seizures," which begin in one specific area of the brain.

Examples

• The patient's EEG showed patterns consistent with a generalized seizure.
• Tonic-clonic seizures are the most common and recognizable type of generalized seizure.
• Absence seizures are another form of generalized seizure, characterized by brief lapses in awareness.

Advanced Usage

• Generalized onset: Used to specify that the seizure activity began diffusely in the brain, as in "The episode was classified as a generalized onset seizure."
• Primary generalized seizure: Refers to a seizure that is generalized from the very beginning, often with a presumed genetic basis.

Variants and Related Words

• Generalize (verb): In a medical context, to spread from a focal point to become more widespread. (e.g., "The abnormal electrical activity may generalize.")
• Generalization (noun): The process of becoming generalized. (e.g., "Secondary generalization of a focal seizure.")
• Generalized epilepsy: A form of epilepsy characterized primarily by generalized seizures.

Synonyms

• Bilateral seizure
• Whole-brain seizure

Related Phrases

• Generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS): The formal term for what was historically called a "grand mal" seizure, involving stiffening (tonic phase) and jerking (clonic phase).
• Generalized absence seizure: A type characterized by a sudden, brief lapse of consciousness and staring, formerly called "petit mal."

Noun

1. a seizure during which the patient becomes unconscious and has convulsions over the entire body