Paroxysmal attacks or
paroxysms (from Greek παροξυσμός) are a sudden recurrence or intensification of
symptoms, such as a
spasm or
seizure. These short, frequent, and stereotyped symptoms can be observed in various clinical conditions. They are usually associated with
multiple sclerosis or
pertussis, but they may also be observed in other
disorders such as
encephalitis, head
trauma,
stroke,
asthma,
trigeminal neuralgia,
breath-holding spells,
epilepsy,
malaria,
tabes dorsalis, and
Behçet's disease,
paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). It has also been noted as a symptom of
gratification disorder in children.