Ch. 24: Epilepsy

Question 1

Antiepileptic Drugs

Answer 1

effects: suppress discharge of neurons within a seizure focus, and suppress propagation of seizure activity from the focus to other areas of the brain
mechanism: suppression of Na+ and Ca+ influx, promote K+ efflux, block receptors for glutamate, potentiation of GABA (increase strength)

Question 2

Lennox-Gastaut

Answer 2

• developmental delay and a mixture of partial and generalized seizures
• goals of treat: reduce seizures to a level that allows patient to live a normal life as possible; balance desire for complete seizure control with acceptable side effects