epilepsy

Question 1

name 2 types of epilepsy and state the differences

Answer 1

generalised
- involves the whole brain
- appears during childhood but may not be diagnosed till adulthood
- no nervous system abnormality

partial
- involves a part of the brain
- begins in childhood and never diagnosed in adulthood (outgrown by puberty)
- tends to occur during sleep

Question 2

what are the 6 types of generalised seizure and describe each type

Answer 2

1. generalised tonic clonic
   - unconscious, stiffening (tonic), violent jerking (clonic), deep sleep (postical phase)
2. absence seizure
   - brief LOC, occurs several times a day, stares blankly
3. myoclonic
   - sporadic jerk (electrical shock) on both sides of the body
4. clonic
   - rhythmic jerk on both sides of the body
5. tonic
   - muscle stiffness, rigidity
6. atonic
   - loss of muscle tone in 4 limbs

Question 3

what are the 3 types of partial seizure and describe each type

Answer 3

1. simple (awareness retained)
   motor: jerking, spasm, head turning, muscle rigidity
   sensory: unusual sensations affecting the vision, hearing, taste, smell, or touch
   psychological: memory or emotional disturbances
2. complex (awareness impaired)
   - repetitive, involuntary but coordinated movement (eg. lip smacking, walking, chewing)
3. partial seizure with secondary generalisation
   - preservation of consciousness that then evolves into LOC and convulsion

Question 4

what is the investigation done for epilepsy

Answer 4

EEG

Question 5

what is an aura

Answer 5

a sensation immediately prior to a seizure, a warning of an impending seizure