Chapter 71: Seizures/Epilepsy Flashcards
What is the most common test used to diagnose epilepsy
EEG
Key drugs that can lower the seizure threshold
Bupropion Clozapine Theophylline Varenicline Carbapenems (esp. imipenem) Lithium Meperidine Penicillin Quinolones Tramadol
Where does a focal seizure start
One side of the brain, but can spread to the other side
Where does a generalized seizure start
Both sides of the brain
If a focal seizure results in no loss of consciousness, it is called
focal aware seizure
previously known as simple partial seizure
If a focal seizure results in loss of consciousness, it is called
focal seizure with impaired awareness
previously complex partial seizure
What are tonic symptoms
rigid or tense muscles
Generalized seizures with non-motor symptoms are called
absence seizures
“staring spells”
What is status epilepticus
A seizure that lasts beyond 5 minutes. It is a medical emergency
after 30 min, long-term damage occurs
What are the 3 phases of status epilepticus called and what are the time intervals for them
0-5 minutes = stabilization phase
5-20 minutes = initial treatment phase
20-40 minutes = second treatment phase
What should be done during the stabilization phase of SE
Time the seizure
Start EEG, oxygen may be needed
Check AED levels, electrolytes, if BG low - treat with D25-D50
What should be done during the initial treatment phase of SE
If seizure continues:
Give IV lorazepam (Ativan)
Alternatives if IV unavailable: IM midazolam (Versed) or rectal diazepam (Diastat)
What should be done during the second treatment phase (20-40 min) of SE
If seizure continues:
Give regular AED: IV fosphenytoin, valproic acid, levetiracetam (phenobarbital if others are unavailable)
Diastat AcuDial packages contain two rectal syringes prefilled with diazepam rectal gel. What doses does it come in
2.5, 10 and 20 mg
How do you use Diastat AcuDial
- Syringes must be dialed to the right dose and locked BEFORE DISPENSING
- Once locked, the green band should say “READY,” and the syringe cannot be unlocked
CBD brand name for seiures
Epidiolex
What kind of diet can be used in patients with refractory seizures
Ketogenic
What is the ratio of fats : protein and carbs combined in a ketogenic diet
4:1
What medication is used for absence seizures
ethosuximide
What is the MOA of benzodiazepines as AED
Increases GABA
What is the MOA of Valproic acid as AED
Increases GABA
What is the MOA of ethosuximide as AED
T-type Ca channel blocker - slows down or stops transmission or the electrical signal
What is the MOA of carbamazepine as AED
Na channel blocker - decr. neurons firing rate
What is the MOA of phenytoin/fosphenytoin as AED
Na channel blocker - decr. neurons firing rate
Which neurotransmitters are responsible for causing a seizure
Deficiency in GABA (inhibitory NT) Excess glutamate (excitatory)
Side effects of carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, and eslicarbazepine
hyponatremia, rash, enzyme inducers
Side effects of gabapentin and pregabalin
Weight gain, peripheral edema, mild euphoria
Side effects of phenobarbital and primidone (prodrug of phenobarbital)
Sedation, dependence/tolerance/OD risk, enzyme inducers
Side effects of topiramate and zonisamide
Weight loss, metabolic acidosis
Nephrolithiasis and oligohydrosis/hyperthermia (in children)
All AEDs should be supplemented with
calcium and vitamin D
Women of childbearing age should supplement with ___ while on AEDs
folate
If taking valproic acid, what should you supplement with
possibly carnitine
If taking lamotrigine and valproic acid, what should you supplement with if alopecia develops
Supplement with selenium and zinc
Lamotrigine brand name
Lamictal
Lamotrigine dose for weeks 1 and 2
25 mg daily
Lamotrigine boxed warning
Serious skin reactions including SJS/TEN
Lamotrigine side effect
Alopecia (supplement selenium and zinc)
Lamictal starter kits are used to ensure correct dosing. Which color is the standard starting dose? When should you use it?
Orange
Use if no interacting medications
Lamictal starter kits are used to ensure correct dosing. Which color is a lower starting dose compared to the others? When should you use it?
Blue
Use if taking valproic acid (enzyme inhibitor)
Lamictal starter kits are used to ensure correct dosing. Which color is a higher starting dose compared to the others? When should you use it?
Green
Use if taking an enzyme inducer (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone), and not taking valpoic acid
Lamotrigine drug interactions
Valproic acid increased lamotrigine concentrations more than two-fold. Use lower starting dose (blue box)
Inducers like carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, & primidone decrease lamotrigine concentrations by 40%. Use the higher starting dose (green box)
Levetiracetam brand name
Keppra, Keppra XR
Keppra IV:PO ratio
1:1
Keppra warnings
psych reactions, including psychotic symptoms, somnolence, fatigue
T/F: Keppra does not have any significant drug interactions
True
Topiramate brand name
Topamax