Epilepsy/Definition

A disorder of the brain manifesting typically as recurrent, often brief episodes of seizure, characterized by disturbances of muscle function (spasms, generalized convulsions, collapse), or disturbances of mental function (strange sensations or emotions, unconsciousness), or combinations thereof, resulting from disturbances of electrical activity of brain cells — referred to as the 'Sacred Disease' by pre-rationalist ancient Greeks and as 'the falling sickness' in medieval literature.