Chapter 19- Seizures And Syncope Flashcards
What is a seizure?
A sudden and temporary alteration in brain function caused by massive, continuing electrical discharges in a group of nerve cells in the brain.
What are some causes of syncopal episode?
An overwhelming influence of the parasympathetic nervous system that causes blood vessels to dilate throughout the body.some serious causes of syncope can include, MI, stroke or TIA, blood loss, drug use, pulmonary embolism.
What is an aura?
An aura serves as a warning that a seizure is going to begin and involves some type of sensory perception by the patient.
What is the tonic phase in a seizure?
The patients muscles become contracted and tense and the patient exhibits extreme muscular rigidity with arching of the back.
What is the clonic phase in a seizure?
Muscle spams that alternate with relaxation, producing typical violent and jerky seizure activity. Loss of bowel and bladder maybe present. Tongue, lips, and mouth may be bitten, shallow respirations. Usually lasts between 1-3 minutes.
What is the postictal phase fro a seizure?
It is the recovery phase. Can range to complete unresponsiveness, to confusion and disorientation. Patient is exhausted and weak. Can last from 10-30 minutes maybe longer.
What is status epilepticus?
A patient that suffers from generalized motor seizures that last more than 5 minutes or seizures that occur consecutively without a period of responsiveness between them.
What is the most common cause for a child to have a convulsion?
When a child has a high fever.
What are some concerns for a patient in the postictal state?
Usually have an altered level of consciousness and are confused, disorientated , weak, and exhausted. May need to open the airway and breathe for them.
