Chapter 15 SLO 4.7 Flashcards
Anticonvulsants
Substances or procedures that prevent or reduce the severity of epileptic or other convulsive seizures. (p. 246)
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)
Prescription drugs that prevent or reduce the severity of epilepsy and different types of epileptic seizures, not just convulsive seizures. (p. 246)
Autoinduction
A metabolic process in which a drug stimulates the production of enzymes that enhance its own metabolism over time, which leads to
Convulsion
A type of seizure involving excessive stimulation of neurons in the brain and characterized by the spasmodic contraction of voluntary muscles. (See also seizure.) (p. 245)
Electroencephalogram (EEG
A recording of the electrical activity that arises from spontaneous currents in nerve cells in the brain, derived from electrodes placed on the outer skull. (p. 245)
Epilepsy
Any of a group of neurological disorders characterized by recurrent episodes of convulsive seizures, sensory disturbances, abnormal behaviour, loss of consciousness, or any combination of these. (p. 245)
Focal onset seizures
originating in a more localized region of the brain. Formerly known as partial seizures. (p. 246)
Generalized onset seizures
Seizures originating simultaneously in both cerebral hemispheres. (p. 245)
Gingival hyperplasia
Overgrowth of gum tissue; often an adverse effect of phenytoin. (p. 251)
Primary epilepsy
Epilepsy in which there is no identifiable cause. Also known as idiopathic seizures. (p. 245)
Seizure
Excessive stimulation of neurons in the brain, leading to a sudden burst of abnormal neuron activity that results in temporary changes in brain function, primarily affecting sensory and motor activity. (p. 245)
Status epilepticus
A medical emergency of prolonged seizure activity, that lasts for 5 minutes or longer, of continuous clinical or electrographic seizure activity or recurrent seizure activity without recovery (returning to baseline) between seizures. (p. 246)
Tonic–clonic seizures
Seizures involving initial muscular contraction throughout the body (tonic phase), progressing to alternating contraction and relaxation (clonic phase).
(p. 245)