Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Epilepsy > 101 > Flashcards

101 Flashcards

1
Q

Front

A

Back

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the main features of epilepsy?

A

Epilepsy is characterized by convulsive seizures, sensory disturbances, abnormal behaviour, and loss of consciousness.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What percentage of epilepsy cases are idiopathic, and what is the cause?

A

70% of cases are idiopathic; cause unknown, may involve inherited CNS abnormalities.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are secondary causes of epilepsy?

A

Secondary causes: Reversible (trauma, head injury, hypoglycemia, meningitis) and irreversible (cerebrovascular disorders).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Define simple partial seizures.

A

Motor seizures begin in a restricted region, progressing gradually, with consciousness preserved.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Define complex partial seizures.

A

Associated with automatisms and impairment of consciousness.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are simple partial seizures with secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures?

A

Partial epilepsy followed by tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Define generalized seizures (grand mal epilepsy).

A

Sudden loss of consciousness, muscular contractions, rigidity, teeth clenching, tongue biting, incontinence, postictal headache, and confusion.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the features of absence seizures (petit mal epilepsy)?

A

Abrupt onset, staring, cessation of activity, lasting <30 seconds without loss of postural control.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are myoclonic seizures?

A

Brief, shock-like contractions lasting seconds, localized or generalized.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are febrile seizures?

A

Seizures triggered by high fever, common between ages 6 months to 6 years.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is status epilepticus?

A

Life-threatening continuous seizures (>15-30 mins) without full recovery of consciousness.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are barbiturates and related substances used in epilepsy?

A

Phenobarbital and primidone are used to treat epilepsy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

List the pharmacokinetics of primidone.

A

Primidone is metabolized to phenobarbital; anticonvulsant doses do not cause excessive sedation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the mechanism of action of phenytoin?

A

Blocks sodium channels, inhibits calcium influx, antagonizes glutamate, and modulates neurotransmitters.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin?

A

Slow oral absorption, high brain concentration, protein-bound, and hepatic metabolism.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

List the indications of phenytoin.

A

Tonic-clonic seizures, partial epilepsy, status epilepticus (IV), ventricular arrhythmias.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are the CNS side effects of phenytoin?

A

Nystagmus, ataxia, blurred vision, drowsiness, tremor, headache, hallucination, confusion.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are the GIT and systemic side effects of phenytoin?

A

Nausea, vomiting, gingival hyperplasia, hirsutism, coarsened facial features, teratogenic effects.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What are tricyclic compounds used in epilepsy?

A

Carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is the mechanism of action of carbamazepine?

A

Blocks sodium channels, inhibits norepinephrine reuptake, potentiates GABA.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are the indications of carbamazepine?

A

Partial seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, trigeminal neuralgia, manic-depressive patients.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What are the adverse effects of carbamazepine?

A

Drowsiness, ataxia, liver/kidney issues, aplastic anemia, hyponatremia, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What benzodiazepines are used as antiseizure drugs?

A

Diazepam, nitrazepam, clonazepam, lorazepam.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What are the mechanisms of action of valproic acid?

A

Blocks sodium channels, increases GABA, blocks NMDA receptors, activates potassium channels.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What are the indications of valproic acid?

A

Absence seizures, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, tonic-clonic seizures, partial epilepsy, migraine prophylaxis, bipolar disorder.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

List the adverse effects of valproic acid.

A

Nausea, vomiting, alopecia, tremors, sedation, thrombocytopenia, teratogenic effects.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What is the mechanism of action of ethosuximide?

A

Inhibits T-type calcium channels in thalamic neurons.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What are the side effects of ethosuximide?

A

Nausea, vomiting, agitation, behavioral changes, gastric upset.

30
Q

What is the mechanism of action of vigabatrin?

A

Irreversibly inhibits GABA-aminotransferase.

31
Q

What are the indications of vigabatrin?

A

Partial epilepsy, West syndrome.

32
Q

What is the mechanism of action of tiagabine?

A

Inhibits GABA transporter GAT-1, increasing GABA levels in the brain.

33
Q

What are the indications of tiagabine?

A

Partial epilepsy, tonic-clonic seizures.

34
Q

What are gabapentin & pregabalin used for?

A

Partial epilepsy, grand mal epilepsy, and neuropathic pain (e.g., postherpetic neuralgia).

35
Q

What is the mechanism of action of lamotrigine?

A

Blocks sodium channels, acts on calcium channels.

36
Q

What are the adverse effects of lamotrigine?

A

Nausea, headache, drowsiness, rash, dermatitis.

37
Q

What is the mechanism of action of topiramate?

A

Blocks sodium channels, enhances GABA activity.

38
Q

List the indications of topiramate.

A

Partial epilepsy, tonic-clonic seizures.

39
Q

What are the adverse effects of felbamate?

A

Severe hepatitis, aplastic anemia.

40
Q

What is levetiracetam used for?

A

Adjunct therapy for partial, myoclonic, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

41
Q

What are the advantages of newer antiseizure drugs?

A

Lower side effects, minimal serum monitoring, fewer drug interactions.

42
Q

What is the mechanism of action of zonisamide?

A

Blocks sodium and calcium channels.

43
Q

What is the main antiseizure action of acetazolamide?

A

Inhibits carbonic anhydrase, causing metabolic acidosis.

44
Q

What is the significance of monitoring therapeutic drug levels in epilepsy treatment?

A

Ensures effective drug levels, guides EEG and liver function monitoring.

45
Q

What pediatric considerations should be taken with anticonvulsants?

A

Young patients face higher risks like gingival hyperplasia, hepatotoxicity, and impaired school performance.

46
Q

Front

A

Back

47
Q

What are the reversible secondary causes of epilepsy?

A

Trauma, head injury, hypoglycemia, meningeal infections.

48
Q

What are the irreversible secondary causes of epilepsy?

A

Cerebrovascular disorders.

49
Q

What characterizes Jacksonian seizures?

A

Motor seizures starting in a specific region like fingers, progressing without loss of consciousness.

50
Q

What are automatisms in complex partial seizures?

A

Purposeless movements like lip smacking, chewing, hand wringing, or aimless walking.

51
Q

What are postictal phenomena of generalized seizures?

A

Headache, confusion, fatigue following generalized seizures.

52
Q

What are the clinical signs of tonic-clonic seizures?

A

Loss of consciousness, postural control, rigidity, teeth clenching, and incontinence.

53
Q

What are the features of febrile seizures?

A

Seizures triggered by high fever, typical between 6 months and 6 years.

54
Q

Define the mechanism of action of primidone.

A

Primidone is metabolized to phenobarbital, providing anticonvulsant effects without sedation.

55
Q

What is the primary action of hydantoins in epilepsy treatment?

A

Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, modulates neurotransmitter activity.

56
Q

How does phenytoin affect insulin secretion?

A

Phenytoin inhibits insulin secretion, causing hyperglycemia and glycosuria.

57
Q

What are the teratogenic effects of phenytoin?

A

Cleft lip, cleft palate, congenital heart defects, growth retardation.

58
Q

What differentiates oxcarbazepine from carbamazepine?

A

Oxcarbazepine has a longer action and less enzyme induction compared to carbamazepine.

59
Q

What is the role of benzodiazepines in infantile spasms?

A

Benzodiazepines like clonazepam are effective in suppressing infantile spasms.

60
Q

How does valproic acid act on NMDA receptors?

A

Valproic acid blocks NMDA receptor-mediated excitation, reducing neuronal excitability.

61
Q

What are the teratogenic effects of valproic acid?

A

Spina bifida, cardiovascular anomalies, orofacial and digital anomalies.

62
Q

Why is ethosuximide the first choice for absence seizures?

A

Ethosuximide inhibits T-type calcium channels, specifically effective in absence seizures.

63
Q

What is the primary action of vigabatrin on GABA?

A

Irreversibly inhibits GABA degradation, increasing its availability in the brain.

64
Q

What is the significance of GAT-1 inhibition by tiagabine?

A

Inhibits GABA uptake, increasing GABA concentrations in forebrain and hypothalamus.

65
Q

What are common side effects of gabapentin and pregabalin?

A

Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, fatigue, usually resolving within two weeks.

66
Q

What distinguishes lamotrigine as an antiepileptic?

A

Blocks sodium channels, reduces neuronal firing in partial and generalized seizures.

67
Q

What are the cognitive side effects of topiramate?

A

Decreased cognitive function, paresthesia, nervousness, confusion.

68
Q

Why is felbamate considered third-line treatment?

A

Severe toxicity risks like aplastic anemia and hepatitis limit its use.

69
Q

What are the unique advantages of levetiracetam?

A

Minimal side effects, no need for serum monitoring, once-daily dosing.

70
Q

How does zonisamide act on calcium channels?

A

Blocks voltage-dependent calcium channels, reducing neuronal hyperexcitability.

71
Q

What role does acetazolamide play in women with seizure exacerbations during menses?

A

Used as an alternative treatment for epilepsy, especially during menstruation.

72
Q

What are common pediatric considerations for hydantoins?

A

Young patients experience gingival hyperplasia, hirsutism, and impaired school performance.

Epilepsy (1 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions