EAC Seizures and Convulsions Flashcards
Causes of Epilepsy
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Cerebral damage from previous infection e.g. meningitis or encephalitis
brain injury or lack of O2 sustained at birth
Brain trauma
Cerebral haemorrhage or tumour
Cryptogenic (cause unknown) 60% of sufferers fall into this category. Some of these may be due to an inherited disposition to seizures
4 types of generalised Epileptic Seizure
Absences
Tonic - arching the back
Atonic - loss of tone
Tonic Clonic - Generalised widespread shaking
3 types of Partial Epileptic Seizure
Simple partial - consciousness maintained, may be pins and needles, unusual taste/smell, other sensory disturbances, localised jerking without alteration.
Complex partial - alteration of consciousness, automatic behaviour, may pluck clothing, fiddle with objects and act confused. Lip smacking, chewing, grimacing, undressing, performing semi-purposive movements and walking around like intoxicated.
Secondarily generalised - Instead of stopping, a partial seizure evolves into a generalised seizure (usually tonic clonic)
define:
Status Epilepticus
Seizures continue for more then 30 minutes with no recovery in between.
problems associated with:
Status Epilepticus
can result in:
permanent neurological damage
Respiratory failure
Cardiac arrest
management of:
Status Epilepticus
Establishing an open airway ?NP
Artificially ventilating the lungs if possible
Giving high % O2
Considering paramedic intervention
Patients own buccal midazolam (refer PSP)
It should always be assumed that seizures are likely to start again unless patient is hospitalised and further treatment taken.
define:
Febrile Convulsion
caused by rapid rise in body temperature (illness, infection, layers)
resembles tonic clonic
6months to 6 years old
temp >38 is significant
management: place on bed if possible, remove layers, open windows to cool patient. consider antipyretic.
define:
Eclampsia
a condition in which one or more convulsions occur in a pregnant woman suffering from high blood pressure, often followed by coma and posing a threat to the health of mother and baby.
Pre-Eclampsia
TIME CRITICAL
management of:
Epilepsy
ensure an open airway
Making the patient comfortable lying down
Loosening tight clothing, removing spectacles, supporting and protecting the head with a folded blanket or pillow
Protecting the patient from injury during seizure by moving any nearby objects which could be harmful
Not attempting to restrain convulsive movements
Not putting anything in the mouth
Placing the patient into the recovery position once movements have stopped and ensuring clear airway
Being prepared to administer oxygen if necessary
Allowing the patient to recover in their own time; talk quietly and reassure if confused
Allowing sleep after seizure as this is normal
Providing support for relatives
Taking any medication which the patient is using to the hospital
Dealing with injuries as necessary
consider a medic for epilepsy patients…
airway management
drugs
