anti-convulsants Flashcards
what are the different types of seizures
generalised seizures: begins simultaneously in both hemispheres of the brain tonic-clonic absence tonic/atonic myoclonic status epilepticus
partial/focal seizures:
begin with particular area of brain affected and may spread out
simple
complex
what are the symptoms of tonic-clonic seizures
different phases: loss of consciousness muscle stiffening jerking/twitching deep sleep wake up
what are the symptoms of absence seizures
brief staring episode with behavioural arrest
what are the symptoms of tonic/atonic seizures
sudden muscle stiffening or sudden loss of muscle control
what are the symptoms of myoclonic seizures
sudden, brief muscle contractions
what are the symptoms of status epilepticus
> 5mins of continuous seizure activity
most serious form because of higher risk
expresses any of the above seizure types
what are the symptoms of simple seizures
retain awareness/consciousness
what are the symptoms of complex seizures
impaired awareness/consciousness
what are the two broad aims of seizure treatment
inhibit glutamate:
voltage gated Na+ channel blockers
voltage gated ion channel antagonists
glutamate exocytosis and receptor targeting
enhance GABA:
targets GABAa receptor
targets GABAergic synapse
what does carbamazepine do and what forms of epilepsy is it indicated for
stabilises the inactive state of Na+ channel so there is reduced neuronal activity
indicated in tonic-clonic and partial seizures
what does lamotrigine do and what forms of epilepsy is it indicated for
inactivates Na+ channel leading to reduced glutamate neuronal activity
indicated in tonic-clonic and absent seizures
what does ethosuximide do and what forms of epilepsy is it indicated for
T-type Ca2+ channel antagonist which reduces the activity in relay thalamic neurones
indicated in absence seizures
what does levetiracetam do and what forms of epilepsy is it indicated for
binds to synaptic vesicle associated protein (SV2A) which prevents glutamate release
indicated in myoclonic seizures
what does topiramate do and what forms of epilepsy is it indicated for
inhibits NMDA and kainite receptors and affects voltage gated Na channels and GABA receptors
indicated in myocloinc seizures
what does diazepam do and what forms of epilepsy is it indicated for
targets GABAa receptor
acts as positive allosteric modulator which increases GABA mediated inhibition
indicated in status epilepticus
