Anticonvulsants: Basics Flashcards
1
Q
What are anticonvulsant drugs?
A
Drugs used to prevent seizure activity
2
Q
Definition of Seizure
A
periods of altered brain function due to recurrent abnormal electrical impulses
3
Q
Definition of Epilepsy
A
recurrent seizures caused by a brain abnormality
4
Q
Definition of Convulsion
A
seizure characterized by spastic muscle movement
5
Q
Definition of Partial Seizure (2)
A
- animal may exhibit spastic muscle contraction in a limb, facial muscles
- animal may experience hallucinations, develop apparent blindness or behavioral abnormalities
6
Q
Definition of Grand Mal Seizure (2)
A
- animal unconscious, exhibits spastic muscle contraction over the entire body
- salivation, chewing, defecation, urination may occur
7
Q
Definition of Status Epilepticus
A
a continual seizure
8
Q
What are the 3 phases of a seizure?
A
- Preictal Phase
- Ictal Phase
- Postictal Phase
9
Q
What is the Preictal Phase? (5)
A
- before seizure occurs
- pacing
- panting
- anxiety
- apprehension
10
Q
What is the Ictal Phase? (2)
A
- seizure occurs
2. lasts 1-2 minutes
11
Q
What is the Postictal Phase (4)
A
- After seizure subsides
- tired
- confused
- anxious
12
Q
What are the causes of seizures? (7)
A
- Idiopathic
- Hypoxemia
- Hypoglycemia
- Hypocalemia
- Toxins
- CNS infections
- CNS tumors
13
Q
Definition of Idiopathic
A
Unknown reason for seizures
14
Q
Definition of Hypoxemia
A
lack of oxygen
15
Q
Definition of Hypoglycemia (2)
A
- lack of glucose
2. too much insulin
