Epilepsy Flashcards
What is an aura and what does it tell us in terms of epilepsy?
Sensory hallucination- means a seizure is about to begin
Tinnitus, whiring sounds, flashing lights, apparent darkening of room, paraesthesia, smells or tastes
What is an epilepsy trigger?
-immediate stimulus that makes them more susceptible to seizures (destabilizing factors)
Stress, smell, pain or emotional stress, strobe lights, drumming or hammering, complex patterns such as stripes and checks, allergic reactions, certain joint or mm receptor movements
What is the medical term for seizure activity?
Ictus/octal
What is a neurological condition of various etiologies that affects the CNS and results in recurrent spontaneous seizures?
Epilepsy (not a disease state)
What are destabilizing factors?
Background triggers that make more prone to seizures (lack of sleep, poor eating habits, pain, emotional stress, etc)
Name the population who is mostly affected with epilepsy
Younger (75% before 18 yrs)
Older usually due to stroke
What are some common seizure types?
Tonic/clonic (grand mal) Absence (petit mal) Jacksonian Psychomotor Akinetic/ atonic Myoclonic
Which type of seizure starts with auras and can lead to status epilepticus and is considered a medical emergency?
Tonic/clonic
Explain tonic/clonic seizures
Loss of consciousness
Tonic- rigid full body 1 min
Clonus- spasm of full body
When is status epilepticus achieved?
More than 10 min not coming out of seizure
Explain absence seizures
10-30 sec loss of consciousness
Frothing mouth
Eyes roll back
Minimal post ictal symptoms
Explain jacksonian seizure
March like sequence, body spasm
Consciousness not affected
What is a psychomotor seizure?
Stange feelings, hallucinations
Automotism (involuntary but coordinated motor activity during impaired state of consciousness)
What is an akinetic/atonic seizure?
Only a few sec
No loss of consciousness
Trips, falls, stumbles etc
What is myoclonic seizure?
Sudden brief shock like contractions
No loss of consciousness
What are some complications of seizures?
Injuries Todds paralysis (1-2 days after) Status epilepticus Cardiac arrest Respiratory arrest Long term complications
Which seizures have highest risk of brain damage?
Spasmodic
What are the side effects of:
1) dilantin
2) phenobarbitol
1) osteoporosis
2) dupuytrens contracture
When is the best timing of treatment for someone taking seizure medication?
First half of interval in which they take meds
How long is massage a CI after a spasmodic seizure?
24-48 hours
What should you do to prep room for epilepsy client?
Eliminate triggers like lighting, scents, allergens, visual patterns
Treat on mat on floor
Move furniture or sharp objects
At least 6 pillows
What should you do if someone has a seizure during tx?
Immediately put 3/4 prone Pillow under head Pillows around body to cushion Do not put objects in mouth or restrain Time how long seizure is Call 911 if more than 8 min Do not hold any body parts They will have bowel/urinary incontinence and be confused
State what is appropriate for massage for each stage after a seizure
Acute- ci for 24-48 hrs
SA- 2-3 days after swedish
Chronic- deeper techniques
