# epilepsy

/ˈɛpəˌɫɛpsi/ (US) · /ˈɛpɪlˌɛpsi/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/epilepsy
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a medical condition that affects the brain and causes a person to have seizures. These seizures are sudden bursts of electrical activity that can cause shaking or loss of consciousness.

For teachers: a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, unprovoked seizures resulting from abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

## Examples

- He takes daily medication to manage his epilepsy.
- After being diagnosed with epilepsy, she worked with her doctor to identify specific triggers that might cause a seizure.
- Advances in neurology have led to a better understanding of epilepsy, allowing for more targeted treatments that significantly reduce the frequency of episodes for many patients.

## Usage notes

- Usually uncountable when referring to the condition; can be countable when referring to specific types of the disorder.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.