05 - Seizures

Question 1

1. an epileptic seizure is caused by abnormal activity where?
2. what is status epilepticus?

Answer 1

1. the cerebral cortex
2. a continuous seizure that lasts more than 30 minutes

Question 2

(seizures)

stages of a seizure?

Answer 2

prodromal -> aura (initial stage) -> ictal phase (manifestation of seizure) -> postictal phase (period immediately after seizure)

Question 3

(seizure types)

generalized most common

automotor seizures (abnormal motor behavior)

focal seizures (facial twitching)

clustered seizures (two or more seizures within 24 hours)

Question 4

(Causes)

1. excitatory neurotransmission is greater than inhibitory
2. idiopathic -> no brain lesion
3. secondary -> cause of lesion

Question 5

(Causes)

1. in dogs under a year?
2. between 1 and 5 years?
3. older than 5 years?

Answer 5

1. developmental, metabolic, inflammatory
2. idiopathic
3. tumors or metabolic

Question 6

(diagnostic testing)

1. what is best for diagnosing an intracranial disorder or neoplasia?
2. what should be performed if an inflammatory process is suspected?

Answer 6

1. MRI
2. CSF examination

Question 7

1. first line meds?
2. what can you add if control isn’t enough with phenobarb?

Answer 7

1. phenobarbital
2. bromide

(can be used alone if liver problems - cause phenobard is tuff on the liver)

Question 8

use what drug to stop seizure activity?

Answer 8

diazepam