Chapter 19 Flashcards
Seizure
Sudden alteration in brain function due to electrical discharges.
Convulsion
Muscle contractions occurring in some seizure types.
Nonconvulsive seizure
Seizure type without muscle contractions.
Epilepsy
Chronic disorder characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures.
Postictal state
Recovery period after a seizure, often with confusion.
Generalized tonic-clonic seizure
Most common type, also called grand mal seizure.
Recruitment
Process of neurons discharging synchronous electrical impulses.
Cerebral cortex
Brain region where seizure initiation often occurs.
Thalamus
Brain structure involved in seizure activity.
Underlying defect
Condition that may cause seizures, not a disease itself.
Incidence of epilepsy
High in children and those over 60 years.
Postictal symptoms
Weakness, disorientation, and fatigue after a seizure.
Seizure duration
Typical seizures last a few minutes.
Seizure misdiagnosis
Seizures can be mistaken for strokes or fainting.
Medical conditions causing seizures
Injuries or illnesses can also trigger seizure activity.
Life-threatening conditions
EMTs must assess for these during seizure management.
Airway compromise
Prolonged seizures can lead to breathing difficulties.
Seizure assessment
Focus on managing altered mental status and safety.
Electrical impulses
Discharges from neurons that trigger seizure activity.
Seizure prevalence
Over 10% of U.S. population experiences a seizure.
Seizure types
Include both convulsive and nonconvulsive categories.
Traumatic causes
Injuries may lead to seizures in patients without history.
Patient reassurance
EMTs should provide comfort during and after seizures.
Brain Cell Damage
Injury from prolonged excessive neuron discharge.
Hypoxia
Oxygen deficiency leading to brain injury.
Acidosis
Excess acidity in body fluids affecting brain function.
Hyperthermia
Elevated body temperature causing potential brain damage.
Hypotension
Low blood pressure impacting cerebral blood flow.
Reduced Blood Flow
Decreased circulation to the brain, risking injury.
Seizure
Abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Convulsion
Involuntary muscle contractions during a seizure.
Absence Seizure
Brief loss of consciousness, often mistaken for daydreaming.
Complex Partial Seizure
Altered awareness with possible behavioral disturbances.
Primary Seizures
Unprovoked seizures, often due to genetic factors.
Secondary Seizures
Provoked seizures resulting from bodily insults.
Epilepsy
Condition characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures.
Generalized Seizures
Involve both brain hemispheres, often causing loss of consciousness.
Partial Seizures
Abnormal activity localized to one brain hemisphere.
Simple Partial Seizure
Awake and aware, with no cognitive impairment.
Complex Partial Seizure
Awake but not aware, with impaired cognition.
Reticular Activating System (RAS)
Brain system necessary for wakefulness and alertness.
Cognition
Mental processes including perception and memory.
Secondary (Provoked) Seizures
Seizures due to external factors like infection or toxins.
Eclampsia
Seizures during pregnancy, often related to hypertension.
Electrolyte Imbalance
Disruption in body electrolytes leading to seizure activity.
Positive Pressure Ventilation
Technique to assist breathing during hypoxia-related seizures.
Secondary Seizures
Seizures due to body insults, potentially life-threatening.
Status Epilepticus
Continuous seizure activity lasting over 5 minutes.
Generalized Convulsive Status Epilepticus
Persistent postictal depressed mental status between seizures.
Nonconvulsive Seizures
Continuous or fluctuating ‘epileptic twilight’ state.
Repeated Partial Seizures
Focal signs without altered awareness between seizures.
Prolonged Seizure
Seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes.
Hypoxia
Insufficient oxygen supply to the brain.
Rhabdomyolysis
Muscle damage releasing proteins harmful to kidneys.
Aspiration
Inhalation of foreign material into lungs.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Damage to the brain from external force.
Hyperglycemia
Elevated blood sugar levels.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar levels.
Eclampsia
Seizures during pregnancy due to hypertension.
Dysrhythmias
Abnormal heart rhythms affecting blood flow.
Hypertension
High blood pressure condition.
Blood Electrolyte Imbalance
Disruption in sodium and calcium levels.
Hyperthermia
Elevated body temperature, potentially causing seizures.
Infection
Pathogen-induced inflammation potentially triggering seizures.
Poisoning
Toxic substance exposure causing neurological effects.
Seizure Disorder
Chronic condition characterized by recurrent seizures.
Idiopathic Seizures
Seizures with no known cause.
Generalized Seizures
Involve the entire brain during episodes.
Partial Seizures
Involve only one part of the brain.
Tonic-Clonic Seizure
Loss of consciousness with muscle rigidity and convulsions.
Absence Seizure
Brief loss of consciousness; common in children.
Myoclonic Seizure
Sporadic jerking of isolated muscle groups.
Tonic Seizure
Characterized by muscle stiffness and rigidity.
Atonic Seizure
Sudden loss of muscle tone; drop attack.
Febrile Seizure
Tonic-clonic seizure due to high fever.
Focal Seizures
Involve one hemisphere; awareness varies.
Simple Partial Seizure
Awake and aware with retained cognition.
Simple Partial Motor
Jerking or stiffening in one body area.
Simple Partial Sensory
Unusual sensations in vision, hearing, or touch.
Simple Partial Autonomic
Strange sensations; changes in heart rate.
Simple Partial Psychic
Memory disturbances; emotional changes; déjà vu.
Complex Partial Seizure
Awake but unaware; may have automatisms.
Focal Onset Aware Seizure
Awareness retained during seizure activity.
Focal Onset Unaware Seizure
Awake but unaware; loss of cognition.
Secondary Generalization
Partial seizure progresses to generalized tonic-clonic.
Reticular Activating System (RAS)
Regulates wakefulness; affected during generalized seizures.
Postictal Phase
Recovery phase after a seizure; confusion common.
Aura
Preceding sensation before a seizure starts.
Convulsive Seizures
Involves jerking movements; includes tonic-clonic.
Nonconvulsive Seizures
Absence of convulsions; includes absence and myoclonic.
Unconsciousness
Patient is unresponsive and unaware of surroundings.
Supine position
Lying flat on the back with legs extended.
Aura
Sensory warning preceding a seizure event.
Loss of consciousness
Immediate unresponsiveness following the aura.
Tonic phase
Muscle rigidity and contraction during seizure.
Hypertonic phase
Extreme muscle rigidity with back hyperextension.
Clonic phase
Alternating muscle spasms and relaxation during seizure.
Convulsion
Violent, jerky movements characteristic of clonic phase.
Postictal state
Recovery phase with altered mental status after seizure.
Hemiparesis
Temporary weakness on one side of the body.
Duration of tonic phase
Typically lasts for a few seconds.
Duration of clonic phase
Usually lasts only a few minutes.
Sympathetic discharge
Increased heart rate and breathing post-seizure.
Tachycardia
Increased heart rate often following a seizure.
Tachypnea
Rapid breathing that may occur post-seizure.
Status epilepticus
Prolonged seizure requiring immediate medical intervention.
Absence seizure
Non-convulsive seizure with brief loss of awareness.
Petit mal seizure
Former term for absence seizure, common in children.
Duration of absence seizure
Lasts only a few seconds.
Lack of vocalization
Absence of speech during an absence seizure.
Blank stare
Characteristic feature of absence seizures.
Recovery from absence seizure
Quick return to full awareness after seizure.
Emergency medical care
Immediate assessment and intervention for seizure patients.
Atypical Absence Seizure
Involves complex motor signs, inconsistent confusion.
Emergency Care for Absence Seizure
Needed if seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
Myoclonic Seizure
Sporadic muscle jerks, described as electrical shocks.
Occurrence of Myoclonic Seizures
Common during sleep or falling asleep.
Age Factor for Myoclonic Seizures
More prevalent in children, but can occur at any age.
Aura in Myoclonic Seizures
No aura or postictal state present.
Emergency Care for Myoclonic Seizure
Necessary if seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
Tonic Seizure
Sudden increase in muscle tone, causing rigidity.
Consciousness during Tonic Seizure
Patient remains conscious if awake.
Duration of Tonic Seizure
Typically lasts only a few seconds.
Atonic Seizure
Total loss of muscle tone, causing drop attacks.
Presentation of Atonic Seizure
Drooping eyelids, head nodding, sudden falls.
Consciousness during Atonic Seizure
Patient remains conscious and recovers quickly.
Duration of Atonic Seizure
Typically lasts only a few seconds.
Danger of Atonic Seizure
Risk of head injury from falls.
Helmet Use for Atonic Seizures
Some patients wear helmets to prevent head injuries.
Febrile Seizure
Seizure associated with high fever, no infection.
Cause of Febrile Seizure
Magnitude and peak of fever likely triggers seizure.
Age Range for Febrile Seizures
Common in children 6 months to 5 years.
Prevalence of Febrile Seizures
About 2-5% of children with fever experience seizures.
Family History of Febrile Seizures
Slight evidence suggests familial occurrence.
Emergency Care for Febrile Seizure
Often not required, but serious evaluation needed.
Partial Seizures
Seizures starting from one brain area.
Focal Onset Seizures
Seizures originating in a specific brain region.
Simple Partial Seizure
Awake and aware during seizure activity.
Complex Partial Seizure
Awake but unaware during seizure activity.
Motor Seizures
Jerking or stiffening in one body part.
Sensory Seizures
Altered sensory perceptions during seizure.
Autonomic Seizures
Changes in autonomic body functions.
Psychic Seizures
Altered thoughts, feelings, or experiences.
Reticular Activating System
Brain system involved in consciousness.
Cerebral Hemisphere
Half of the brain involved in seizures.
ILAE
International League Against Epilepsy organization.
Jacksonian Motor Seizure
Another name for simple partial seizure.
Focal Onset Aware Seizure
Current term for simple partial seizure.
Duration of Complex Seizures
Typically lasts 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
Awareness in Simple Seizures
Patient retains consciousness and cognition.
Awareness in Complex Seizures
Patient is awake but lacks awareness.
Emergency Medical Care
Guidelines for managing seizure emergencies.
Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure
Seizure that may follow a simple partial seizure.
First-Time Seizure Protocol
Transport patient for medical evaluation.
Seizure Progression
Simple partial may progress to generalized seizure.
Garbled Speech
Common symptom in psychic seizures.
Déjà Vu
Feeling of familiarity during psychic seizure.
Jamais Vu
Feeling of unfamiliarity during familiar situations.
Partial Seizure
Localized seizure affecting one brain hemisphere.
Complex Partial Seizure
Seizure with altered mental status.
Blank Stare
Initial symptom of a seizure episode.
Random Activity
Involuntary movements like chewing or lip smacking.
Bicycling Movement
Leg movements resembling pedaling during seizure.
Postictal Confusion
Disorientation following a seizure.
Secondarily Generalized Seizure
Partial seizure spreading to both brain sides.
Tonic Phase
Muscle stiffness during generalized tonic-clonic seizure.
Clonic Phase
Convulsive movements following muscle stiffness.
Status Epilepticus
Seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes.
Psychogenic Seizures
Seizures without physiological brain changes.
Pseudoseizures
Another term for psychogenic seizures.
Postictal State
Recovery phase after a seizure.
Gaze Deviation
Patient’s eyes turn away from the EMT.
Pelvic Thrusting
Forward thrusting movements during psychogenic seizures.
Abrupt Personality Changes
Sudden emotional shifts during seizure episodes.
Seizure Duration
Typical seizure lasts 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
Seizure Memory Loss
Patient forgets events during seizure.
Emergency Medical Care
Calmly guide patient away from hazards.
Clinical Signs
Observable symptoms during a seizure.
Altered Mental Status
Change in awareness or responsiveness.
Hazardous Objects
Items that could injure the patient during a seizure.
Consult Medical Direction
Seek guidance for patient transport decisions.
Tonic-Clonic Seizure
Generalized seizure with muscle contractions and loss of consciousness.
Assessment-Based Approach
Evaluate seizure type and possible causes on scene.
Scene Size-Up
Initial assessment for injury and environmental hazards.
Mechanism of Injury
Identify potential head injury causes during assessment.
Postictal State
Recovery phase after a seizure, often confused.
Patient Refusal Procedure
Document and follow protocol for patient refusal.
Seizure Causes
Drug or alcohol withdrawal can trigger seizures.
Delayed Seizure
Seizures may occur months after a head injury.
Scar Tissue Formation
Can lead to abnormal electrical connections post-injury.
Bystander Intervention
Avoid restraining movements; guide instead to prevent injury.
Tongue Swallowing Myth
Patients cannot swallow their tongue during seizures.
Seizure-Related Injuries
Potential injuries include tongue biting and oral trauma.
Loss of Control
Bowel and bladder control may be lost during seizures.
Cardiac Arrest Connection
Seizures can precede cardiac arrest due to oxygen deprivation.
Convulsive Phase
Muscle contractions disrupt normal breathing patterns.
Sympathetic Nervous System Activation
Causes tachycardia and hypertension post-seizure.
Primary Assessment
Evaluate airway, breathing, and circulation in seizure patients.
Altered Mental Status
Seizures result in confusion and disorientation.
Snoring Respirations
Common after generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
Jaw-Thrust Maneuver
Technique to open airway in unresponsive patients.
Nasopharyngeal Airway
Inserted to alleviate airway obstruction from snoring.
Emergency Medical Care
Always assume seizure patients require immediate treatment.
Seizure Duration Variation
Postictal state duration varies among patients.
Guided Movements
Support patient movements during seizure instead of restraining.
Emergency Protocols
Follow local guidelines for seizure management.
Medical Direction Contact
Consult for orders if patient refuses transport. Partially Occluded Airway
Nasopharyngeal Airway
Device to maintain airway; remove as consciousness improves.
Oropharyngeal Airway
Inserted if mouth is open; prevents tongue biting.
Status Epilepticus
Continuous seizures without recovery between episodes.
Postictal State
Period following a seizure; patient regains consciousness.
Cyanosis
Bluish skin indicating inadequate oxygenation.
Positive Pressure Ventilation
Assisted breathing using supplemental oxygen.
Supplemental Oxygen
Additional oxygen provided to maintain adequate levels.
Nonrebreather Mask
Mask delivering high concentration oxygen post-seizure.
CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation for pulseless patients.
AED
Automated external defibrillator for cardiac emergencies.
Transport Priority
Criteria determining urgency for patient transport.
Seizure Duration
Tonic-clonic seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes.
Trauma Management
Address serious bleeding or injuries post-seizure.
Assessment Tips
Guidelines for evaluating seizure patients effectively.
High Body Temperature
Common cause of seizures in infants and children.
Gag Reflex
Reflex that may be stimulated by oral airway.
Mental Status Improvement
Expected recovery of consciousness after seizure.
Chest Wall Muscle Contraction
Restricts effective breathing during a seizure.
Seizure in Water
Increased risk; requires immediate medical attention.
History of Seizure Disorder
Prior diagnosis indicating potential for future seizures.
Drug Withdrawal Seizures
Seizures resulting from cessation of substance use.
Status Epilepticus
Prolonged seizure activity requiring immediate intervention.
Causes
Hypoxia, stroke, tumors, infections, electrolyte imbalances.
Electrolyte Imbalances
Disruptions in sodium or calcium levels affecting seizures.
Cocaine Use
Stimulant that can trigger seizure episodes.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar potentially causing seizure activity.
Alcohol Withdrawal
Seizures may occur due to sudden cessation.
Toxin Exposure
Inhalation or ingestion of harmful substances like cyanide.
Postictal State
Altered mental status following a seizure.
Todd Paralysis
Temporary weakness following a generalized seizure.
Primary Assessment
Initial evaluation focusing on life-threatening conditions.
Secondary Assessment
Detailed evaluation conducted during transport to hospital.
Vital Signs
Measurements of heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure.
Pulse Oximeter
Device measuring oxygen saturation in the blood.
Hypoxia
Insufficient oxygen supply potentially causing seizures.
Blood Glucose Level
Measurement indicating potential hypoglycemia-related seizures.
Medical Alert Tags
Identification providing critical patient medical information.
Head Injury Assessment
Examine for trauma signs post-seizure.
Muscle Contractions
Severe spasms that may cause injuries or dislocations.
Bystander Information
Gathering details from witnesses about the seizure.
Seizure History
Collecting past seizure information from patient or relatives.
Transport Priority
Immediate transfer of critical patients to medical facility.
Generalized Seizure
Seizure affecting both hemispheres of the brain.
Seizure onset
Initial activity: generalized or focal.
Seizure duration
Time from onset to resolution.
Aura
Unusual sensation before seizure activity.
Postictal state
Confusion and exhaustion after seizure.
Bowel or bladder control
Loss of control during seizure.
Medication adherence
Taking seizure medication as prescribed.
History of seizures
Previous occurrences of seizure activity.
Seizure triggers
Activities or conditions leading to seizure.
Generalized tonic-clonic seizure
Full body seizure with loss of consciousness.
Signs of generalized seizure
Aura, rigidity, convulsions, confusion.
Common seizure medications
Drugs used to treat epilepsy.
Behavioral changes
Altered behavior mistaken for intoxication.
Seizure types
Generalized vs. focal seizures.
Emergency airway management
Focus on ventilation and oxygenation.
Seizure history questions
Inquiries about past seizures and symptoms.
Patient safety during seizure
Prevent injury from falls or bites.
Seizure medication examples
Levetiracetam, Carbamazepine, Valproic Acid.
Seizure progression
How seizure activity spreads in the body.
Recent illness history
Fever, headache, or stiff neck prior to seizure.
Patient’s last meal
Time since last food or drink intake.
Seizure frequency
How often seizures occur in the patient.
Seizure-related injuries
Injuries from falls or convulsions.
Emergency transport
Immediate transfer for life-threatening conditions.
Immediate life threats
Focus on managing life-threatening conditions first.
Prevent injury
Move objects away to avoid patient harm.
Protect the head
Use padding to safeguard the patient’s head.
Lateral recumbent position
Position for airway protection and secretion drainage.
Spinal motion restriction
Precautions if spinal injury is suspected.
Patent airway
Ensure airway is clear and unobstructed.
Nasopharyngeal airway
Flexible airway device for unresponsive patients.
Status epilepticus
Seizures lasting over 5 minutes or consecutive.
Head-tilt, chin-lift
Maneuver to open the airway effectively.
Positive pressure ventilation
Assist breathing with supplemental oxygen if needed.
Suctioning
Remove secretions, blood, or vomitus from airway.
Oxygenation monitoring
Check oxygen levels post-convulsion for hypoxia.
Supplemental oxygen
Administer if oxygen saturation is below 94%.
Nasal cannula
Device for delivering oxygen at low flow.
Nonrebreather mask
Used for high-flow oxygen delivery when needed.
Transport protocol
Follow local guidelines for patient transport.
Reassessment
Continuously monitor airway, breathing, and circulation.
Vital signs recording
Document and communicate any changes observed.
Benzodiazepine
Medication class used to stop seizures.
Diazepam rectal gel
FDA-approved for seizure management in children.
Diastat
Trade name for diazepam rectal gel.
Seizure disorder
Chronic condition characterized by recurrent seizures.
Midazolam
Common benzodiazepine, brand name Versed.
Lorazepam
Common benzodiazepine, brand name Ativan.
Diazepam
Common benzodiazepine, brand name Valium.
Intravenous (IV) Administration
Rapid onset route for benzodiazepines.
Intramuscular (IM) Administration
Preferred route for actively seizing patients.
Intranasal (IN) Administration
Alternative route for benzodiazepine delivery.
Buccal Administration
Medication absorbed through the cheek.
Rectal Administration
Alternative route for benzodiazepine delivery.
Status Epilepticus
Prolonged seizure requiring immediate treatment.
American Epilepsy Society Guideline
Guidelines for treating convulsive status epilepticus.
Sedation
Major side effect of benzodiazepines.
Respiratory Depression
Decreased breathing effectiveness from benzodiazepines.
Positive Pressure Ventilation
Technique to assist breathing in respiratory failure.
Bag-Valve-Mask Device
Tool for delivering positive pressure ventilation.
Tidal Volume
Amount of air per breath.
Respiratory Failure
Inadequate breathing requiring immediate intervention.
Prefilled Auto-Injector
Device for administering midazolam quickly.
EMT Protocol
Guidelines for emergency medical technicians.
Airway Assessment
Monitoring patient’s breathing and airway status.
Efficacy
Effectiveness of a treatment method.
Seizure Assessment Findings
Clinical signs observed during a seizure.
Seizures
Neurological events causing abnormal brain activity.
Eclampsia
Seizures occurring during pregnancy, often related to preeclampsia.
Status epilepticus
Prolonged seizure lasting over 5 minutes.
Febrile seizure
Seizure triggered by fever in children.
Patient Care Goals
Cessation, minimize adverse events, and recurrence.
Inclusion Criteria
Seizure activity upon arrival or recurrent activity.
Assessment History
Duration, prior history, and typical seizure appearance.
Assessment Exam
Evaluate airway, breath sounds, and neurologic status.
Airway obstruction
Blockage requiring intervention like airway placement.
Oropharyngeal airway
Device used if gag reflex is absent.
Pulse oximeter
Monitors oxygen saturation in patients.
Bag-valve-mask (BVM)
Device for ventilating patients when compromised.
Anticonvulsant Treatment
Medication to stop seizures, e.g., Midazolam.
Glucometry
Blood glucose check during active seizure.
Hypoglycemia Guideline
Protocol for treating low blood sugar.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
Contraindicated in infants under 6 months.
Patient Safety Considerations
Trained personnel can administer meds without direction.
Benzodiazepines
Medications associated with airway compromise risks.
Transport Protocol
Hypoglycemic patients must go to the hospital.
Key Considerations
Airway issues can often be managed without advanced airway.
EKG Acquisition
Used to check for cardiac causes post-seizure.
Convulsive Status Epilepticus
Seizures requiring medication management prehospital.
Trained EMS Personnel
Allowed to administer medication without medical direction.
Refractory Seizures
Seizures unresponsive to initial treatment efforts.
Potential Causes of Seizures
Includes trauma, stroke, electrolyte imbalance, toxic ingestion.
Midazolam IM
Effective alternative to intravenous lorazepam for seizures.
Febrile Seizure Evaluation
Fever in young children prompts meningitis assessment.
Syncope
Temporary loss of consciousness due to blood flow reduction.
Vasovagal Syncope
Fainting caused by parasympathetic nervous system influence.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Controls involuntary bodily functions, influences blood vessel dilation.
Hypoperfused Brain
Insufficient blood flow leading to loss of consciousness.
Syncopal Episode
Sudden fainting due to decreased brain perfusion.
Supine Position Recovery
Lying down restores blood circulation to the brain.
Assessment of Syncope
Look for yawning, sweating, dizziness, nausea before fainting.
Cardiac Rhythm Disturbance
Potential cause of syncope during exertion.
Bystander Confusion
Syncopal episodes may mimic seizure activity.
Seizure Cessation Evidence
Recent studies support midazolam’s effectiveness in seizures.
Seizure Assessment Findings
Fever with seizure indicates possible serious underlying condition.
Emergency Care Algorithm
Guidelines for managing seizure emergencies.
Electrolyte Abnormality
Imbalance in body electrolytes potentially causing seizures.
Toxic Ingestion
Consumption of harmful substances leading to seizures.
Pregnancy with Eclampsia
Seizures during pregnancy due to severe hypertension.
Hyperthermia
Elevated body temperature potentially triggering seizures.
Syncope
Fainting episode usually starting from standing position.
Seizure
Uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain.
Aura
Sensory warning before a seizure occurs.
Convulsive Syncope
Fainting with brief muscle twitching movements.
Vasovagal Syncope
Fainting due to sudden drop in heart rate.
Postictal Period
Recovery phase after a seizure.
Myoclonic Activity
Brief muscle jerking during convulsive syncope.
Skin Characteristics
Pale and moist skin in syncope; warm and sweaty in seizures.
Loss of Consciousness
Sudden unresponsiveness in both conditions.
Recovery Position
Supine position to improve brain blood flow.
Serious Causes of Syncope
Includes myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism.
Primary Assessment
Initial evaluation of patient’s condition and vital signs.
Secondary Assessment
Detailed examination following primary assessment.
Supplemental Oxygen
Administered if oxygen saturation falls below 94%.
Nasal Cannula
Device for delivering supplemental oxygen.
Altered Mental Status
Condition requiring assessment for airway and circulation.
Tongue Biting
Rare occurrence during convulsive syncope.
Confusion Post-Syncope
Patient may appear confused after fainting.
Blood Flow Improvement
Elevating legs helps increase cerebral perfusion.
Documentation
Recording assessment findings and patient refusals.
Patient Reassurance
Important for managing anxiety during syncope.
Febrile Seizures
Seizures caused by fever, common in children.
Tonic-Clonic Seizure
Seizure with muscle rigidity and jerking movements.
Cyanosis
Skin turning blue due to ineffective respiration.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar causing potential seizures.
Seizure Duration
Seizures last longer than syncope events.
Incontinence
Loss of bladder control during seizure activity.
Focal Motor Activity
Localized seizure activity in specific body parts.
Antiseizure Medications
Drugs prescribed to control seizure activity.
History of Seizures
Prior seizure events may indicate seizure patterns.
Altered Mental Status
Change in consciousness due to medical conditions.
EMS Response
Emergency Medical Services’ approach to pediatric seizures.
Seizure-like Activity
Movements resembling seizures during syncopal events.
Risk Factors
Conditions increasing likelihood of seizures in children.
Oxygen Deficiency
Low oxygen levels potentially causing seizures.
Metabolic Abnormalities
Chemical imbalances that can trigger seizures.
Head Injury
Trauma to the head that may result in seizures.
Meningitis
Inflammation of brain membranes, can cause seizures.
Brain Tumors
Abnormal growths in the brain that may induce seizures.
Drug Overdose
Excessive drug intake leading to seizure activity.
Pediatric Syncope
Rare fainting episodes in children, often misidentified.
AVPU Scale
Assessment tool for responsiveness in altered consciousness.
