Anticonvulsants Flashcards
What is a rapid, synchronous, uncontrolled spread of electrical activity?
Seizure
What is a type of brain disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures?
Epilepsy
Define ictal.
EEG (electroencephalograph) descriptor that refers to seizure-like
Define interical.
In-between seizures
What are 5 seizure triggers?
- Hypoxia
- Head trauma
- Hypoglycemia
- Brain tumor
- Stroke
What is an isolated seizure?
Only 1 seizure within a 24 hour period
What is a cluster of seizures?
2+ seizures within a 24 hour period
What are the 4 stages of a seizure?
- Prodrome
- Aura
- Ictus
- Post-ictal
What is the prodrome stage?
The behavioral changes occurring hours to days prior to a seizure.
What is the ictal stage?
Seizure event
What is a nonclinical spontaneous discharge of a small group of neurons in the forebrain?
Focal seizure
What is a partial seizure?
A focal seizure with limited spread
Is a focal seizure accompanied by spread?
NO
What is a psychomotor seizure?
Complex partial seizure
Where is a simple partial seizure located?
Motor area of the cerebral hemisphere
Where does a complex partial seizure originate?
Temporal lobe
What is a grand mal seizure?
Generalized seizure
What is the drug of choice for status epilepticus?
Diazepam (Benzodiazepine)
True or False: Diazepam has increased BBB permeability.
TRUE
What can owners use at home in the management of cluster seizures?
Diazepam
Why is Diazepam unsuitable for chronic management of seizures?
Rapid development of tolerance
What drug can be used for chronic long-term therapy of seizures in dogs and cats?
Phenobarbital (Barbiturate)
What are the common side effects associated with barbiturate use?
“Polys”
Polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia
What can be used in conjunction with phenobarbital to control refractory epilepsy?
Potassium bromide
What are the adverse effects associated with potassium bromide?
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Polyphagia
- Muscle pain
- Pelvic limb weakness
