Chapter 6: Epilepsy

Question 1

Define epilepsy

Answer 1

Group of syndromes that occur in conjunction with disruption of electrical activity within the brain

Question 2

Affects epilepsy

Answer 2

Consciousness, movements, actions through a seizure

Question 3

Seizures

Answer 3

The changes in consciousness, movements, or actions that occur after an abnormal electrical activity in brain; loss of control over certain body functions

Question 4

Convulsions

Answer 4

Body tries to relax and get comfortable so the body shakes rapidly
However a person can have a mild seizure and not shake

Question 5

How many people get seizures

Answer 5

1 in 10 people in their lifetime due to external factors

Question 6

Other causes of epilepsy

Answer 6

Alcohol intoxication, or withdrawal, prescribed medications such as pain meds, cocaine and amphetamines ,meningitis or encephalitis

Question 7

What’s the cause for epilepsy? (Idiopathic)

Answer 7

At this time there is no identification as to why people get epilepsy ; no cause can be identified, can be permanent due to injury or stroke

Question 8

Types of seizure experienced (generalized or partial)

Answer 8

Generalized where nerve discharge is abnormal throughout the whole brain and partial is nerve discharge abnormal spreads partially through the brain

Question 9

Generalized tonic-clinic seizure (grand mal)

Answer 9

Throughout the brain, usually experience an aura (flash of light, ugly taste or weird sensation) the persons conscious is usually loss, can fall, teeth clench, body shakes rapidly
Seizure may last a few minutes

Question 10

Generalized seizures (absence seizures -petit mal)

Answer 10

Mostly experienced by children
Brief blank stares everywhere
Lasts for seconds
Can be misdiagnosed

Question 11

Partial seizures (simple)

Answer 11

Never cells discharge surrounds part of the brain

Jacksonian seizure- began in on side of the body and slowly porgressed

Question 12

Partial seizures (complex)

Answer 12

Psychomotor seizure-loss of awareness of surroundings but is part of one side of the brain 
Person may pace, wander around 
Can last 20 minutes long 
Confusion is normal after convulsion 
Often mistaken for substance abuse

Question 13

Status epilepticus

Answer 13

3 seizures in an hour and no recovery so far

Question 14

Tonic

Answer 14

Muscles end up drug and so does legs arms and etc.usually invokes all or most of the brain seizure usually lasts up to 20 seconds

Question 15

Myoclonic

Answer 15

Shock like jerks of the muscle

Question 16

Diagnosis of epilepsy

Answer 16

Physical examinations, blood work,detailed family history

EEG OR MRI

Question 17

Management

Answer 17

Often said that meds do no cure,only magnates the symptoms
One seizure no medications, is often monitored
If has scar tissue then surgery may be involved

Question 18

Personal and psychological issues

Answer 18

Always concerned another seizure will occur

No control, harder to socialize or have relationships

Question 19

Vocational

Answer 19

Most likely to experienced unemployment

Question 20

Meningitis

Answer 20

Inflammation of the meninges (membrane surrounding ding the brain to spinal cord)

Question 21

What is meningitis usually caused by?

Answer 21

Bacteria, viruses and is often confirmed by a lumbar puncture

Question 22

Symptoms of meningitis

Answer 22

Flu-like symptoms, fever, sensitivity looking at lights
Can be fatal
Immunizations are to be take
Can cause deafness paralysis

Question 23

Encephalitis

Answer 23

Inflammation to the brain due to an invasion by species (west Nile river)
Mosquito
Can experience a stiff neck, coma

Question 24

Sleep apnea

Answer 24

Creation of breathing; often leads to being sleepy during the day
Lack of sleep can cause stress ,personality changes, can lead to hypertension, heart disease and death

Question 25

Obstructive sleep apnea

Answer 25

Due to your throat closing in because your muscles relax

Question 26

Central sleep apnea

Answer 26

Brain fails to send signals to respiration

Question 27

Narcolepsy

Answer 27

Disruption of sleep control mechanism

Sleep during the day