Epilepsy Flashcards
Define idiopathic
“that idiot doctor can’t figure out why it’s happening”
no evidence of an underlying cause; can only be used after ruling out all potential other causes through Hx, PE, and diagnostic testing
Define seizure
a single episode consisting of paroxysmal transient disturbances of the brain function that may be manifested as episodic impairment of loss of consciousness, abnormal motor phenomena, and sensory disturbances
Define epilepsy
a combination of different seizure episodes
Define status epilepticus
continuous ongoing seizures
Symptomatic vs idiopathic epilepsy
symptomatic epilepsy has an identifiable cause, but idiopathic does not; idiopathic is the more common of the two in dogs
What happens in the brain during a partial seizure
one neuron (or a small group of focal neurons) is stimulated to discharge electrical impulses; the electrical activity remains within this small group of neourns
What happens in the brain when a generalized seizure occurs?
the electrical activity from one neuron/a group of focal neurons spreads throughout the rest of the cerebral hemisphere
List and describe the 3 phases of a seizure
- Pre-ictal –> period of time immediately prior to ictus where the patient may be nervous or pace
- Ictus –> period of actual seizure activity that can last 2-3mins
- Post-ictal –> a time period post seizure where pet may be tired, lethargic, confused, ravenous or anorexic; lasts a few hours up to a day
What is the typical presenting signalment and Hx of a patient with idiopathic epilepsy?
young to middle age dog (1-5yr old) that otherwise appears healthy upon PE; O may describe P as not being “quite right” because O missed the seizure but notices the post-ictal phase
4 Important questions to ask when a patient presents during or after a seizure
- Can you describe the nature of the event?
- Is this a first time event for this patient?
- Was there any potential expsoure to anything unordinary?
- Was there any exposure to anything considered “normal” or “safe”?
General characteristics of generalized seizures
- loss of consciousness
- loss of bladder/bowel control
- tonic-clonic movements
- jaw snapping
- post-ictal phase may be short or long in duration
- seizure usually lasts 1-3min
General characteristics of syncope (fainting)
- loss of consciousness
- can lose bladder/bowel control
- may paddle trying to rise
- usually no rhythmic tonic/clonic movements
- may be slightly disoriented post syncopal episode; usually short duration
- event lasts <1min
List 4 things that can be done as an RVT when a patient presents during a seizure
- Take patient to the back and direct client to a quite room (with another staff member to gather more info if possible)
- Take TPR after making sure a DVM knows a seizing patient has arrived
- Place IV catheter if enough hands are available
- Gather a blood sample for serum blood glucose (and PCV/TP/BUN if enough blood obtained)
When should cooling methods be initiated on a seizure patient?
if temp >104
List 2 ways to administer diazepam to an active seizing patient.
- Per rectum via syringe without needle or red rubber catheter
- IV only if an IV cath has already been placed
