partial seizure

noun

: a seizure that originates in a localized part of the cerebral cortex, that involves motor, sensory, autonomic, or psychic symptoms (such as twitching of muscles, localized numbness, or auras), and that may progress to a generalized seizure

Note: When a partial seizure occurs without a loss of consciousness it is called a simple partial seizure. When a partial seizure impairs consciousness it is called a complex partial seizure.

Some partial seizures are so mild, a person may merely twitch and not lose consciousness.Judy Foreman, The Boston Globe

called also focal seizure

compare generalized seizure

Dictionary Entries Near partial seizure

Cite this Entry

“Partial seizure.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/partial%20seizure. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!