4. Epilepsy Flashcards
1
Q
How common is it?
A
1 in 100
2
Q
What causes it?
A
A recurrent tendency to spontaneous, intermittent, abnormal electrical activity in part of the brain, manifesting as seizures
Convulsions are the motor signs of electrical discharges
Stroke, tumours, severe trauma, drug / alcohol abuse, infection, hypoxia at birth
3
Q
What risk factors are there?
A
FH
Head injuries
Seizures in childhood
Dementia
4
Q
How does it present?
A
Fits Losing awareness / focus Collapsing Becoming stiff and rigid Tingling in arms/legs Rising sensation in stomach
5
Q
What other conditions might present similarly?
A
Syncope
Hypoglycaemia
Narcolepsy
Panic attacks
6
Q
How would you investigate?
A
EEG
Brain MRI
Cap BG, FBC, U+Es etc
7
Q
What treatments are there?
A
Anti-epileptic drugs
Control and document seizures
Non-ketotic diet
8
Q
What complications are there?
A
SUDEP
Osteoporosis risk from medication
