Epilepsy Flashcards
which AEDs are enzyme inducers
arbazepine
phenytoin
topiramate
what might happen in an epileptic aura
rising epigastric sensation
olfactory and gustatory
psychic (depersonalisaton, derealisation, deja vu)
limbic (fear)
what are the three A’s of complex partial seizures
aura
arrest
automatism (tends to be ipsilateral)
what is JME
juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
myoclonic jerks develop in teenage years which are eventually followed by generalized tonic-clonic seizures
often occur in the morning after waking
triggers include: lack of sleep, alcohol and strobe lighting or flickering
what is an absence seizure an example of
a primary GENERALISED seizure
tends to occur in children
what is a Jacksonian seizure
a focal motor seizure
jerking begins in on area of the body (ie mouth or hand) and then spreads to that entire side of the body
what is Todd’s palsy
weakness of the limbs following a seizure
how long does the tonic phase of a tonic clonic seizure last and what happens
10-60s rigidity epileptic cry tongue biting incontinence hypoxia/cyanosis
how long does the clonic phase of a tonic clonic seizure last and what happens
seconds to minutes convulsions/limb jerking eye rolling tachycardia stertorous breathing
what are automatisms
semi purposeful stereotyped motions such as lip smacking or dystonic limb posturing, pacing or undressing
what is the commonest cause of temporal lobe epilepsy
hippocampal sclerosis
which analgaesic can trigger epilepsy
tramadol
what is the threshold time for treating seizures
all seizures lasting more than 5 mins need treating
what are the main causes of death in people with epilepsy
accidents
status epilepticus
SUDEP
What’s the most likely diagnosis?
27y/o woman with an episode of LOC while standing on the bus, preceded by nausea and sweating. Witnesses reported some limb jerks with rapid recovery
Vasovagal syncope
What’s the most likely diagnosis?
70y/o lady w/BG of IHD and CVD felt disorientated and exhausted on waking one morning. Her husband reports being woken in the night by a loud noise and described rhythmic jerking movements of all 4 limbs. Her lips turned blue and she bit the side of her tongue. She was not incontinent of urine
Generalised TC seizure
What’s the most likely diagnosis?
65y/o man with sudden collapse whilst hill walking. Tried loss of consciousness with rapid recovery. PMH of T2DM, depression and IHD
Cardiac syncope
What’s the most likely diagnosis?
21 y/o lady with recurrent attacks consisting of abnormal movements of all 4 limbs. The attacks vary in description can can last up to an hour. She has a pmh of asthma and IBS
Non-epileptic attack
What’s the most likely diagnosis?
18 y/o man with a new onset of stereotyped attack preceded by an unpleasant smell, an odd sensation in his stomach and a feeling of fear and anxiety. Witness report how he loses awareness, fiddles with his clothing and smacks his lips
Complex partial seizure
A 20 y/o student is referred to a first seizure clinic following a generalised TC seizure while on a hight out. Over previous months she has noticed some involuntary jerks of her arms particularly in the morning - what should you advise her
she should be advised to refrain from driving and inform the DVLA
Which of the following anti-epileptic drugs is associated with the greatest risk of developmental malformations to an unborn child? lamotrigine topiramate sodium valproate clobazam carbamazepine
sodium valproate
which of the following anti-epileptic drugs does not reduce the efficacy of the OCP: carbamazepine phenytoin clobazam phenobarbitone topiramate
clobazam
What investigations should be carried out after first seizure
ECG EEG Imaging (MRI brian) avoid/remove precipitants Safety advice DVLA Risk and treatment Specialist referral
how many people will have a second seizure and when is the risk of this highest
70-80% will have a second seizure
highest risk within 6 months
when might you consider AED withdrawal
after 2 years seizure free
what is the firstline treatment for idiopathic epilepsy
sodium valproate (lamotrigine or levetiracetam in females of reproductive age) lamotrigine may exacerbate myoclonic seizures