Epilepsy Flashcards
What is epilepsy an umbrella term for?
Condition where there is tendency to have seizures
What is the definition of seizures?
Transient episodes of abnormal electrical activity in brain
What are the CF of Generalised Tonic-Clonic seizures? (3 things)
- Loss of consciousness
- Tonic (muscle tensing) (1st)
- Clonic (muscle jerking) (2nd)
What are some associated CF of Generalised Tonic-Clonic seizures? (4 things)
- Groaning
- Tongue biting
- Irregular breathing
- Incontinence
What do you get after Generalised Tonic-Clonic seizures?
Post-ictal period
What are the CF of the Post-ictal period of Generalised Tonic-Clonic seizures? (3 things)
- Confused
- Drowsy
- Irritable
What is the FIRST LINE Mx of Generalised Tonic-Clonic seizures?
Sodium valproate
What is the SECOND LINE Mx of Generalised Tonic-Clonic seizures? (2 things)
- Lamotrigine
- Carbamazepine
Where in the brain do Focal seizures start?
Temporal lobes
What are the CF of Focal seizures?
- Hallucinations
- Memory flashback
- Deja vu
- Doing weird things on autopilot
What is the FIRST LINE Mx of Focal seizures? (2 things)
- Carbamazepine
- Lamotrigine
(opposite order of Generalised Tonic-Clonic seizures)
What is the SECOND LINE Mx of Focal seizures? (2 things)
- Sodium valproate
- Levetiracetam
What type of seizures typically happens in children?
Absence
What are the steps of the CF of Abscence seizures in children? (3 steps)
- Pt goes blank
- Stares into space
- Returns to normal
How long do Absence seizures typically last?
10-20 seconds
Do children stop having absence seizures as they get older?
Yes, most of them (more than 90%)
What is the FIRST LINE Mx of Absence seizures? (2 things)
- Sodium valproate
- Ethosuximide
What are Atonic seizures also called?
Drop attacks
What are the CF of Atonic seizures?
Brief lapses in muscle tone
How long do Atonic seizures usually last?
3 minutes max
When in the patients life do Atonic seizures typically begin?
Childhood
What syndrome do Atonic seizures possibly indicate?
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (type of epilepsy)
What is the FIRST LINE Mx of Atonic seizures?
Sodium valproate
What is the SECOND LINE Mx of Atonic seizures?
Lamotrigine
What are the CF of Myoclonic seizures?
Sudden brief muscle contractions (like sudden jump)
Do children remain awake during Myoclonic seizures?
Yes