Chapter 15 Flashcards
Seizure
ABNORMAL discharge in the brain
types of seizures
generalized seizures
Generalized Seizures
involves the whole brain
lose consciousness
cause fatigue
General seizure types
Absence myoclonic atonic tonic tonic clonic
atonic, tonic and tonic clonic-need to monitor airway
Partial seizure types
simple partial-do not lose consciousness
complex partial
Partial seizure
only effect part of the brain
Status Epilepticus
recurring seizures
potentially life-threatening event
can lead to severe brain damage and death
Continuous muscle contraction
Status Epilepticus treatment
Ativan 2 mg IV
Causes of Seizures
Infectious diseases Trauma Metabolic disorders Vascular diseases Pediatric disorders Neoplastic disease Medications (anorexiants, amphetamines) High doses of local anesthetics Eclampsia Drug abuse Withdrawal
Pharmacotherapy for seizures
need to know type
Need to be seizure free for 3 years to dc meds
DO NOT stop abruptly
gamma aminobutyric acid
GABA
primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain
Drugs That increase GABA Action
barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and miscellaneous agents that mimic GABA
Suppress the firing ability of neurons
Barbituates
have many side effects
not often used
Decreases impulse transmission to the cerebral cortex
Used in all forms of epilepsy
phenobarbital
most commonly used barbituate
Adverse effects: dependence, drowsiness, vitamin deficiencies, laryngospasm, Stevens-Johnson, agranulocytosis
Long-acting
anti-seizure drug interactions
decrease effectiveness of oral contraceptives
