4.3.2 Epilepsy and Sleep Disorders

Question 1

What is the algorithmic approach for evaluating a pt complaining of excessive daytime sleepiness?

Answer 1

Question 2

What is the tetrad of nacrolepsy?

Answer 2

1. Daytime sleepiness
2. Cataplexy - atonia evoked by stong emotion
3. Sleep paralysis
4. Hypnagogic hallucinations - hallucinations that occur on the threshold of sleep

Question 3

Involuntary coarse, usually semi-rhythmic, synchronous movements of the limbs (tonic or clonic), often associated with LOC

Answer 3

Convulsion

Question 4

Clinical manifestations of abnormal synchronous discharge of (cerebral cortical) neurons, often manifested through convulsions

Answer 4

Seizure

Question 5

Intrinsic tendency of the brain to have seizures (2 or more unprovoked seizures)

Answer 5

Epilepsy

Question 6

Compare focal and generalized onset seizures

Answer 6

Question 7

What can be seen on EEG in generalized epilepsy? focal epilepsy?

Answer 7

Generalized epilepsy = bilateral symmetric EEG abnormalities

Focal epilepsy = localized EEG abnormalities

Question 8

Is focal epilepsy aquired or hereditary? Generalized?

Answer 8

Focal - aquired (lesion or cryptogenic)

Generalized - genetic