EPILEPSY Flashcards
Epilepsy
reduced GABA levels in the brain leading to abnormal discharge of neurones
types of epilepsy
generalised - tonic/clonic, absence (petit mal)
partial - simple, complex, simple sensory
febrile seizure
affect children with fevers
causes of epilepsy
vascular disease
trauma
CNS disease; tumour, stroke, CID, meningitis, encephalitis
social; late nights, alcohol, hypoglycaemia, flashing lights
tonic part of seizure
pt has awareness of change in brain function before onset of seizure
they become stiff and lose consciousness and may fall to floor
clonic part of seizure
jerking/ contracting/ relaxing uncontrollably
postictal state in tonic/ clonic seizure
termination after 1-3 minutes
pt feels drowsy
status epilepticus
tonic clonic seizure
repeating
petit mal (absence) seizure
black out or stare into space for a few seconds
- eyelid flutter
- vacant stare
- stops activity
- loss of response
epilepsy precipitators
withdrawal/ poor med compliance
epileptogenic drugs
fatigue/ stress
infection
menstruation
epileptogenic drugs
some GA agents
alcohol
tricyclics
SSRIs
partial seizures
motor localised to one region of the brain
Jacksonian seizure
partial seizure that spreads to other motor areas
sensory partial seizure
affects any sensory modality - visual, auditory, taste, smell
often aura and may involve deja vu
complex partial seizure
automatism; repetitive purposeless movements - lip smacking, grimacing
