Epilepsy Flashcards
1
Q
Epilepsy
Define:
A
- chronic CNS disorders characterised by recurrent seizures
- epileptic seizures are due to abnormal brain activity (confirmed on EEG) unattributable to organic causes
2
Q
Define:
Epileptic seizure:
Epilepsy:
Epilepsy syndrome:
A
3
Q
Epilepsy
2 major types:
A
Focal and General
4
Q
Partial/Focal Seizure
A
- Conscious (aura) or Unconscious*
- Simple: sudden jerking, sensory phenomena*
- Complex: simple partial seizures + impaired consciousness*
5
Q
General Epilepsy
Examples: 6
A
Tonic-Clonic
Absence
Clonic
Tonic
Atonic
Myoclonic
6
Q
Tonic Seizure
A
- muscles stiffen
7
Q
Clonic Seizure
A
- rhythmic jerks of*
- limbs, body, head*
8
Q
Absence Seizure
A
- brief loss and return of consciousness*
- (aka Petit mal seizures)*
9
Q
Myoclonic Seizure
A
- involve spasms of muscles
10
Q
Atonic Seizure
A
- loss of muscle activity for greater than one second*
- (commonly seen as “head drop”)*
11
Q
Tonic-Clonic Seizure
A
Tonic-Clonic
(aka Grand mal seizures)
12
Q
Postictal state
A
- altered state of consciousness after an epileptic seizure*
- (drowsiness, confusion, headache)*
13
Q
Todd’s paralysis
A
focal weakness in a part of the body
after a seizure
14
Q
Trigger:
A
Trauma, Stress, drug withdraw, infection, electrolytic disturbances, hormone, alcohol, intense light, loss of sleep
15
Q
What to do for a patient during a seizure
A
During episode patient’s mouth should be kept open, and his/her head should be hold to minimize damage.
