Epilepsy Flashcards
what is epilepsy
abnormal discharge of neurons in the brain
what is epilepsy associated with
reduced GABA levels in the brain which leads to abnormal cell-cell message propagation
what are febrile seizures
seizures the same as chronic epilepsy but only present in children during fevers
how do you prevent febrile seizures
cool down
paracetamol
ibuprofen
remove clothes
cool sponging
cool bath
what are the 2 main classifications of epilpesy
generalised and partial
what are the types of generalised epilepsy
tonic/clonic, absence, myoclonic/atonic
what are the types of partial stroke
simple partial, complex partial, simple sensory
what are epilepsy triggers
idiopathic, trauma, CNS disease, social (late nights/flashing lights/alcohol)
what does it mean if the epileptic focus is generalised
central focus which spreads signals out to all parts of the cortex so all parts of the body are involved
what does it mean if the epileptic focus is partial
the focus is closer to one particular part of the cortex and will primarily affect this part
what does an EEG record
electrical activity of brain
what are the stages of the tonic clonic seizure
prodromal aura
loss of consciousness
initial tonic (stiff)
clonic (contraction/relaxtion)
post-ictal drowsiness
what is status epilepticus
recurrent seizures one after the other
what are petit mal seizures
short lived episodes of loss of awareness like vacant stares
what can you do to help someone having a tonic clonic seizure
remove objects from mouth and try to prevent injury
use supplemental oxygen
what are the precipitators for seizures
withdrawal, epileptogenic drugs (alcohol, SSRIs), fatigue/stress, infection, menstruation
what is a jacksonian seizure
starts in extremities of upper limb and moves upwards
what does a partial seizure affect
sensory modality, automatism
what is the preventative treatment for epilepsy
anticonvulsants (carbamazepine for tonic clonic, levetiracetam for absence)
what is emergency care for epilepsy
airway and oxygen
benzodiazepines for status epilepticus
what is the action of sodium valproate
GABA transaminase inhibitor
what is the action of benzodiazepines
GABA receptor action on CI enhanced
what does carbamazepine do to the sodium channel
stabilises it
what are the dental aspects of epilepsy
complications of fits (injuries/fractures)
complications of treatment (hyperplasia, bleeding, folate deficiency)
what is the effect of phenytoin on the gingiva
gingival hyperplasia
what questions do you need to ask an epileptic
when last 3 fits
compliance with medication
changes in medication
