Classification of Seizures

Question 0

Tonic-Clonic Seizures

-Tonic Phase

Answer 0

1. The tonic phase consists of a sustained, generalized stiffening of muscles, including the diaphragm, lasting a few seconds

Question 1

Tonic-Clonic Seizures

Answer 1

1. Tonic-clonic seizures cause an abrupt arrest of activity and impairment of consciousness

Question 2

Tonic-Clonic Seizures

-Clonic Phase

Answer 2

1. Clonic Phase is symmetrical and rhythmic
   - consisting of alternating contraction and relaxation of major muscle groups
   - Usually ends spontaneously in less than 5 minutes

Question 3

Tonic-Clonic Seizures

-S/S

Answer 3

1. Respirations are irregular

2. Child may have stridor

Question 4

Tonic-Clonic Seizures

-Incontinence

Answer 4

1. Sphincter incontinence (stool and/or urine) may or may not occur

Question 5

Tonic-Clonic Seizures

-What happens after??

Answer 5

1. The tonic-clonic seizure is followed by a variable period of confusion, lethargy, and sleep (POSTICTAL PHASE)
2. You will see FATIGUE

Question 6

Atonic Seizures

Answer 6

1. Atonic seizures cause an abrupt loss of postural tone, impairment of consciousness, confusion, lethargy, and sleep

Question 7

Atonic Seizures

-Head Drop

Answer 7

1. A child may have multiple episodes of sudden and brief head drop or the child may have a drop attack;
   - fall to the ground, often face down, lose consciousness for a few seconds, and then get back up as if nothing happened

Question 8

Myoclonic Seizures

Answer 8

1. Myoclonic seizures are brief, random contractions of a muscle group, followed by loss of muscle tone and forward falling
2. Impairment of consciousness may occur during myoclonic seizures

Question 9

Myoclonic Seizures

-Onset

Answer 9

1. Onset can occur as early as age 2 months

2. More frequently seen in school-age children or adolescents than in very young children

Question 10

Absence Seizure

petit mal seizures

Answer 10

1. Absence seizures are very brief episodes of altered consciousness
2. No muscle activity occurs except upward rolling of the eyes
3. Blank facial expression
4. Last 5-10 seconds
5. Can occur hundreds of times a day
6. Onset usually occurs between ages 5-8 yrs

Question 11

Absence Seizure

-Characterized by?

Answer 11

1. Absence seizures are characterized by children immediately returning to the activities they were involved in just prior to the seizure

Question 12

Atypical Absence Seizure

Answer 12

1. Child may experience some Myoclonic movements (eyelid fluttering) and muscle tone changes (head bobbing)

Question 13

Focal Seizures

Answer 13

1. Onset at any age

2. An aura is part of a focal seizure

Question 14

Focal Seizures

-S/S

Answer 14

Motor features, which are commonly seen in focal seizures include:

1. Involuntary, brief movement localized to one area
2. Turning eyes and head away from the side of the seizure

Question 15

Focal Seizures

-Automatisms

Answer 15

1. During a focal seizure, children can exhibit automatisms, repetitive, non-purposeful movements of the mouth and extremities such as lip smacking, chewing, teeth grinding, scratching, pulling at clothing or sheets, and shuffling