Approach to Seizures Flashcards
Seizures are ____ disorders
Episodic
What defines Epilepsy?
2+ UNprovoked seizures
What is the most important piece of information in order to diagnose Epilepsy?
HISTORY
– preferably by witnesses
What is the most important piece of information in order to diagnose Epilepsy?
HISTORY
– preferably by witnesses
What diagnostic test helps with the diagnosis of Epilepsy?
EEG
On a single EEG, the percent of positive findings varies. With what disorder and activating tool are EEGs usually positive for findings?
Petit Mal (Absence) with the use of hyperventilation
The percent of positive findings for most epilepsy types will increase with what?
3 sleep deprived EEGs
What are 3 Partial Seizure disorders?
Simple Partial
Complex Partial
Secondarily Generalized (partial onset)
What defines if a seizure is a Partial Seizure or not?
Partial Seizure activity BEGINS on 1 side of the brain!!
If the seizure activity begins on ONE side of the brain, what are the possible diagnoses?
PARTIAL Seizures
- Simple Partial
- Complex Partial
- Secondarily Generalized (partial onset)
What is a Secondarily Generalized (partial onset) seizure?
Seizure activity begins on ONE side of the brain but then spreads to the other side as well
What defines if a seizure is Generalized or not?
Generalized seizure activity beings on BOTH sides of the brain
Generalized seizures usually have an age of onset when?
Younger age of onset
Simple Partial Seizure
Focal motor/sensory activity
– NO loc or post-ictal state
Focal motor/sensory activity with NO loc or post-ictal state
Simple Partial Seizure
Nonresponsive staring that lasts a few minutes with (+) post-ictal state
Complex Partial Seizure
Complex Partial Seizure
Nonresponsive staring that lasts a few minutes with (+) post-ictal state
Secondary Generalized Seizure
Bilateral tonic-clonic seizure with loc and post-ictal state
– what we think of as a seizure
Absence Seizure
Nonresponsive staring, rapid blinking, chewing etc.
** NO post-ictal state!!
Nonresponsive staring, rapid blinking or chewing etc. with NO post-ictal state
Absence Seizure
Tonic-Clonic Seizure
Bilateral extension followed by jerking of extremities
Bilateral extension followed by jerking of extremities
Tonic-Clonic Seizure
Atonic Seizure
Loss of muscle tone/patient collapses
Loss of muscle tone/patient collapses
Atonic seizure
Myoclonic Seizure
Rapid jerking of extremities that lasts a few seconds
Rapid jerking of extremities that lasts a few seconds
Myoclonic Seizure
What Anti-epileptic Drug should NOT be used during pregnancy?
Valproic Acid
What combo of drugs has been shown to be synergistic in the treatment of Generalized Seizures/Epilepsy?
Valproic Acid + Lamotrigine
Condition characterized by prolonged seizure or repeated seizures without recovery in between
Status Epilepticus
All women should be on a multivitamin with Folic Acid in it. Why is that important for women with epilepsy?
Anti-epileptic drugs deplete folate
In general, besides valproic acid, the drug choice for a pregnant woman with epilepsy is?
The one that best controls her seizures
What is Transient Global Amnesia?
Sudden and temporary loss of memory with NO other neuro signs
- lasts a few hours and then resolves
- usually an isolated event
Sudden and temporary loss of memory with no other neuro signs that resolves after a few hours and likely does not recur
Transient Global Amnesia
