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
