Epilepsy Flashcards
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterised by a predisposition to recurrent unprovoked seizures.
What is a seizure?
A seizure is a transient occurrence of signs and/or symptoms due to abnormal, excessive, or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain.
What are the main types of seizures?
Focal seizures, generalised seizures, and unknown onset seizures.
What are focal seizures?
Seizures that originate in one specific area of the brain, which can be aware (simple) or impaired awareness (complex).
What are generalised seizures?
Seizures that involve both hemispheres of the brain, including absence, tonic-clonic, atonic, and myoclonic seizures.
What is the most common type of epilepsy in children?
Absence epilepsy, characterised by brief, sudden lapses in awareness.
What are common symptoms of a seizure?
Loss of awareness, involuntary movements, sensory disturbances, or behavioural changes.
What is the prevalence of epilepsy in the UK?
Around 1 in 100 people in the UK are affected by epilepsy.
What are some common risk factors for epilepsy?
Family history, brain injury, infections, tumours, and stroke.
What is the aetiology of epilepsy?
It can be idiopathic (genetic), structural, metabolic, infectious, or immune-related.
What are some common triggers for seizures?
Sleep deprivation, stress, alcohol, flashing lights, and certain medications.
What investigations are used to diagnose epilepsy?
Clinical history, EEG, MRI, and blood tests.
What is the role of EEG in epilepsy diagnosis?
EEG detects abnormal brain electrical activity, which helps classify the type of epilepsy.
When is neuroimaging indicated in epilepsy?
To identify structural abnormalities, particularly in focal epilepsy or new-onset seizures.
What is the differential diagnosis for epilepsy?
Syncope, psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), migraines, transient ischaemic attacks, and metabolic disturbances.
What is the first-line treatment for focal epilepsy?
Carbamazepine or lamotrigine.
What is the first-line treatment for generalised epilepsy?
Sodium valproate, although lamotrigine may be preferred in women of childbearing potential.
What is the significance of sodium valproate in women?
It is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of teratogenicity and neurodevelopmental disorders in the fetus.
What lifestyle advice is given to patients with epilepsy?
Avoid known triggers, ensure good sleep hygiene, and avoid excessive alcohol.
What is status epilepticus?
A medical emergency where a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or recurrent seizures occur without regaining consciousness in between.
What is the acute management of status epilepticus?
Immediate benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam), followed by antiepileptic drugs if seizures persist.
What is SUDEP?
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy, a rare but serious complication of epilepsy.
What role does surgery play in epilepsy management?
Surgery may be an option for drug-resistant focal epilepsy, particularly if a structural cause is identified.
What are the long-term complications of epilepsy?
Injuries during seizures, social stigma, depression, anxiety, and medication side effects.
What is the legal requirement for driving in the UK for people with epilepsy?
Patients must be seizure-free for at least 12 months before driving a car or motorcycle.
