a sudden uncontrollable attack; "a paroxysm of giggling"; "a fit of coughing"; "convulsions of laughter"
a fit, attack, or convulsion
In medicine, a paroxysm is a violent attack. It may be due to the sudden occurrence of symptoms or the acute exacerbation of preexisting symptoms.
paroxysm - a sudden attack or increase in intensity of a symptom, usually occurring in intervals. Malaria is classically described as producing fever paroxysms; sudden severe temperature elevations accompanied by profuse sweating. Paroxysms occurring at 48-hr intervals are typical of Plasmodium vivax infection, particularly in semi-immune persons.
a sudden attack or outburst (e.g. paroxysmal coughing).
A sudden attack, or raised level of intensity, of symptoms.
A sudden, periodic attack or recurrence of symptoms of a disease.
Paroxysm * a sudden outburst of a violent emotion or action (laughter, rage)