Epilepsy Flashcards
What is the primary goal of epilepsy pharmacotherapy?
To achieve seizure control while minimizing side effects.
True or False: All patients with epilepsy respond to the same antiepileptic drug.
False
What is the mechanism of action of sodium channel blockers in epilepsy treatment?
They inhibit the influx of sodium ions, stabilizing the neuronal membrane.
Fill in the blank: The first-line treatment for generalized tonic-clonic seizures is __________.
lamotrigine
Which class of antiepileptic drugs is known for enhancing GABAergic activity?
Benzodiazepines
What is the role of ethosuximide in epilepsy management?
It is primarily used for absence seizures.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a common side effect of antiepileptic drugs? A) Drowsiness B) Rash C) Hypertension D) Nausea
C) Hypertension
What is the significance of therapeutic drug monitoring in epilepsy treatment?
It helps to ensure drug levels remain within the effective range and to avoid toxicity.
True or False: Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia.
True
What is the mechanism of action of valproate?
It increases GABA levels and inhibits sodium channels.
Fill in the blank: The use of __________ is contraindicated in pregnant women due to the risk of fetal malformations.
valproate
Which antiepileptic drug is associated with weight gain as a common side effect?
Valproate
Multiple Choice: Which drug is commonly used for status epilepticus? A) Carbamazepine B) Diazepam C) Ethosuximide D) Gabapentin
B) Diazepam
What type of seizures is carbamazepine primarily used to treat?
Focal seizures
True or False: Lamotrigine can be used for both focal and generalized seizures.
True
What is a common side effect of topiramate?
Cognitive impairment
Fill in the blank: The __________ classification system categorizes seizures based on clinical features and EEG findings.
International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE)
What is the role of ketogenic diet in epilepsy treatment?
It is used as a dietary therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a new antiepileptic drug? A) Phenytoin B) Levetiracetam C) Carbamazepine D) Phenobarbital
B) Levetiracetam
What is the primary action of gabapentin in the treatment of epilepsy?
It modulates the release of excitatory neurotransmitters.
True or False: Antiepileptic drugs can interact with hormonal contraceptives.
True
What is the significance of the ‘stevens-johnson syndrome’ in relation to certain antiepileptic drugs?
It is a serious skin reaction associated with drugs like lamotrigine and carbamazepine.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a common side effect of some antiepileptic drugs that can affect bone health.
Osteoporosis
What is the role of adjunctive therapy in epilepsy treatment?
To add on to a primary medication for better seizure control.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a potential risk of abrupt withdrawal of antiepileptic medication? A) Increased seizure frequency B) Dehydration C) Hypertension D) Hyperglycemia
A) Increased seizure frequency