Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that bind to receptor molecule present on the surfaces of adjacent neurons

Neuromodulators

Chemical messengers produced by neurons that act in a paracrine manner

Neurohormones

Chemical messenger produced by a neuron, acts as a true hormone

Hypnotic

Drowsiness, promotes sleet, but does not induce sleep, profound CNS depression

Catalepsy

Rigidity of the limbs, un-responsive to environmental stimuli

Anxiolytic

Anxiety-relieving, agents used in the treatment of anxiety

Sedative

Ability to calm or reduce anxiety, mild depression of the cerebral cortex

Tranquilizer

Neuroleptic, anxiety reduced with no loss of consciousness, hypothalamus and reticular formation function depressed

Seizure

A fleeting chane in behavior produced by disordered, synchronous and rhythmic firing of a group of neurons

Epilepsy

A type of brain disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures

EEG

Electroencephalograph

Ictal

EEG descriptor that refers to seizure like

Interictal

Between seizures, a sharp wave form in an individual EEG recording of epileptic patients. Helpful in locating a seizure focus

Prodrome stage

The behavior changes that occur days or hours before a seizure

Aura stage

Event characterized by sensory, and psychosensory symptoms in humans. Indicative of a sensory focal seizure

Ictus stage

Seizure event

Post-ictal phase

Behavior changes that occur days or hours after a seizure

Focal seizure

Spontanious discharge of prosencephalic neurons accompanied by no spread as seen on EEG only

Partial seizure

Focal seizure of limited spread seen clinically with or without loss of consiousness

Simple partial seizure

Abonormal motor neuron discharge wihtout alteration of patient's sensorium.  Focused in cerebral hemisphere.

Complex partial seizure

Some disturbance in patient's sensorium.  AKA psychomotor seizure.  Focus in limbic system

Generalized seizure

Most common in domestic animals. Loss of consiousness. AKA grand mal seizure.  Brain regions are diffusely affected.