Pediatric Neurology Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
SUDEP SUDEP
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, referring to the sudden death of someone with epilepsy who was otherwise healthy.
ADOS
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, a standardized assessment tool used to diagnose autism spectrum disorders.
agyria
A rare brain malformation characterized by the complete absence of gyri (brain folds), resulting in a smooth cerebral su...
alternating hemiplegia of childhood
A rare neurological disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of paralysis affecting either side of the body, often t...
anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome
Severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to antiepileptic medications involving skin, liver, and other org...
arachnoid cyst
A fluid-filled sac located between the arachnoid membrane and brain surface, which may cause symptoms through mass effec...
arteriovenous malformation
An abnormal tangle of blood vessels where arteries connect directly to veins without intervening capillaries, creating a...
atonic seizure
A type of generalized seizure characterized by sudden loss of muscle tone, causing the patient to fall or drop their hea...
BECTS
A common childhood epilepsy syndrome characterized by focal seizures during sleep and distinctive EEG patterns.
benign rolandic epilepsy
A common childhood epilepsy syndrome characterized by focal seizures with rolandic spikes on EEG, typically outgrown by...
breakthrough seizure
A seizure that occurs in a patient whose epilepsy has been previously well-controlled with medication.
burst suppression
An EEG pattern characterized by alternating periods of high-amplitude activity and electrical silence.
burst suppression pattern
EEG pattern characterized by alternating periods of high-amplitude activity and electrical silence.
cerebrospinal fluid analysis
Laboratory examination of fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord obtained via lumbar puncture.
chiari malformation
A structural defect where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal due to skull abnormality or smaller than normal sku...
cognitive epilepsy
Seizures manifesting primarily as isolated cognitive symptoms without obvious motor or sensory components.
corpus callosotomy
A surgical procedure involving division of the corpus callosum to prevent seizure spread between brain hemispheres.
craniosynostosis
Premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures, resulting in abnormal skull shape and potential increased intracranial...
CSWS
An epileptic encephalopathy characterized by near-continuous epileptiform activity during non-REM sleep and cognitive re...
cyclic vomiting syndrome
A functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of severe nausea and vomiting separated by pe...
Dandy-Walker malformation
A congenital brain malformation involving cystic dilatation of the fourth ventricle and partial absence of the cerebella...
developmental and epileptic encephalopathy
Conditions where both seizures and underlying pathology contribute independently to cognitive and developmental impairme...
doose syndrome
An epilepsy syndrome characterized by myoclonic-astatic seizures in previously normal children with genetic predispositi...
Dravet syndrome
A severe genetic epilepsy syndrome beginning in infancy with prolonged febrile seizures and later developing multiple se...
electroclinical syndrome
An epilepsy syndrome characterized by specific combinations of seizure types, EEG patterns, and clinical features.