Anticonvulsants Flashcards
5 questions
the clinical manifestation of an abnormal and excessive excitation of a population of neurons
seizure
a tendency toward recurrent seizures unprovoked by systemic or neurologic insults
epilepsy
occurs with an aura, epileptic cry, loss of consciousness and postural tone, tonic spasm of entire body, synchronous clonic movements, followed by confusion and sleep
tonic-clonic (grand mal)
brief loss of consciousness (5-10 secs), with local or widespread clonic movements (minor muscle twitching without loss of postural tone)
petit mal (absence)
in which patients do petit mal (absence) occur?
children
continuous or repeated attacks, can be grand mal or petit mal
status epilepticus
in which 2 acute disorders affecting the brain can status epilepticus occur in?
meningitis
encephalitis
individual remains conscious, is limited to certain muscles, specific sensory changes, and autonomic activity; may remain localized or may spread causing progressive symptoms
simple partial seizure
which seizure type is associated with Jacksonian Epilepsy?
simple partial seizure
impaired consciousness, usually originate in temporal or frontal lobes but spread to broader areas; cause flashbacks and stereotypes movements like chewing
complex partial seizures
what does treatment of a partial seizure evolving to a generalized seizure depend on?
type of generalized seizure that is triggered
what is more refractory to drug treatment than the common generalized seizures?
partial evolving to generalized
what is the pathophysiology of most seizures?
unknown etiology
what do antiepileptic drugs treat?
symptom of seizure
NOT underlying epileptic condition
what is the goal of antiepileptic drugs?
maximize QOL by minimizing seizures and ADRs
which 3 anticonvulsants decrease the excitability of the focus?
phenobarbital
primidone
ethosuximide
which 4 anticonvulsants prevent the spread of nervous activity?
phenytoin
phenobarbital
carbamazepine
valproate
which 4 anticonvulsants enhance inhibitory mechanisms?
phenobarbital
primidone
valproate
benzodiazepines
all anticonvulsants are specific for seizure type, except which one that is used for all types of seizures?
valproic acid
what are many anticonvulsants used for?
neuropathic pain
very painful, sharp electric-like spasms that usually last a few seconds-mins but can become constant
trigeminal neuralgia
what activities can trigger trigeminal neuralgia? (5)
brushing teeth
chewing
drinking/eating
lightly touching face
shaving
what is a risk factor for trigeminal neuralgia?
age (after 40)
what is the major cause of trigeminal neuralgia?
demyelination of the axons of the trigeminal nerve
what are 2 other uses of anticonvulsants?
diabetic pain
bipolar disorder
sedation can occur at therapeutic doses of anticonvulsants, except in these meds: (2)
phenytoin
valproic acid
why are there potential drug interactions with anticonvulsants?
highly protein bound
why do some anticonvulsants reduce antibiotic efficacy?
some induce hepatic enzymes
which 2 drug types decrease anticonvulsant absorption?
antacids
antihistamines
the first drug developed specifically to treat seizures and is non-sedating
phenytoin
what is the drug of choice for generalized tonic-clonic seizures?
phenytoin
what are the 4 uses for phenytoin?
generalized tonic-clonic seizures
partial seizures
status epilepticus
trigeminal neuralgia
phenytoin is used as a backup treatment for _____
trigeminal neuralgia
drug that inhibits reactivation of Na channel and prevents post tetanic potentiation
phenytoin
what increases the effectiveness of phenytoin in its MOA?
high extracellular K
what does phenytoin do at greater than therapeutic concentrations?
interferes with Ca channel and neurotransmitter release