24. Epilepsy Flashcards
1
Q
List the causes of epilepsy
A
- none found
- infection (meningitis)
- hypoNa
- hypoglycaemia
- hypoCa
- hypoMg
- toxins
- trauma
- tuberous sclerosis
- CNS tumour/malformation
- flickering lights
2
Q
Outline the pathophysiology of epilepsy
A
Tendency to intermittent abnormal electrical brain activity
3
Q
How can epilepsy present?
A
Tonic clonic = stiffen then jerk with LOC
Absence = brief pauses, eyes may roll up, unaware of attack
Infantile = clusters of head nodding, arm jerks, every 3-30 sec
Myoclonic = thrown suddenly to the ground
4
Q
How should suspected epilepsy be Ix?
A
EEG
MRI
5
Q
Briefly describe the Mx of epilepsy
A
Tonic clonic = sodium valproate, lamotrigine
Absence = ethosuximide, sodium valproate
Infantile = prednisolone, vigabatrin
Myoclonic = sodium valproate
Status epilepticus = A-E,
- 5m: IV lorazepam, buccle midazolam
- 15m: repeat lorazepam
- 20m: phenytoin, phenobarbital
- 40m: rapid sequence induction
6
Q
What are the possible complications of epilepsy?
A
- LD
- aspiration pneumonia
- injury
- permanent brain damage
- SE of meds
