[2] Pathophysiology of Seizures

Question 1

Differentiate a Reactive Seizure from an Epileptic one

Answer 1

Reactive seizures are provoked whereas epileptic seizures are unprovoked

Question 2

Describe: Petit Mal Seizure

Answer 2

Sudden brief lapse of consciousness with sudden return of consciousness after the attack

Question 3

Define: Epileptogenesis

Answer 3

Leads to the formation of a hyperexcitable brain

Question 4

What % of PWE is caused by Complex Inheritance?

Answer 4

40%

Question 5

What % of PWE is caused by Monogenic Inheritance?

Answer 5

1%

Question 6

Mutations that keep which channels closed and which channels open will result in a hyperexcitable state?

Answer 6

K+ and Cl- channels closed

Na+ and Ca2+ channels open

Question 7

Patients with absence seizures have an increased number of what receptors in the brain?

Answer 7

GABA B

Question 8

Define: Hypersynchrony

Answer 8

Property of a population of neurons to discharge together independently

Question 9

Explain: Epileptic Neuron Hypothesis

Answer 9

Neurons usually have passive decay of potential because of the complex arborization and density of a neuron. When it is damaged, it becomes a simpler structure that causes a decrease in passive decay potential resulting in a hyperexcitable neuron.

Question 10

Define: Epileptic Aggregate Hypothesis

Answer 10

Uses the concept of kindling wherein periodic stimulation of neural pathways cause surrounding neurons to be excited. This explains why injuries do not necessarily have to be immediately present with seizures since it develops over time.

Question 11

How does dopamine affect seizures?

Answer 11

Decreased levels of dopamine causes lowering of threshold of seizure triggers

Question 12

Define: Generalized Seizure

Answer 12

Both hemispheres equally involved at seizure onset

Question 13

Hypothetical Origin of Generalized Seizures

Answer 13

Thalamus

Question 14

Hypothetical Origin of Generalized Seizures

Answer 14

Thalamus