Epilepsy

Question 1

What is an aura and what does it tell us in terms of epilepsy?

Answer 1

Sensory hallucination- means a seizure is about to begin

Tinnitus, whiring sounds, flashing lights, apparent darkening of room, paraesthesia, smells or tastes

Question 2

What is an epilepsy trigger?

Answer 2

-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

Question 3

What is the medical term for seizure activity?

Answer 3

Ictus/octal

Question 4

What is a neurological condition of various etiologies that affects the CNS and results in recurrent spontaneous seizures?

Answer 4

Epilepsy (not a disease state)

Question 5

What are destabilizing factors?

Answer 5

Background triggers that make more prone to seizures (lack of sleep, poor eating habits, pain, emotional stress, etc)

Question 6

Name the population who is mostly affected with epilepsy

Answer 6

Younger (75% before 18 yrs)

Older usually due to stroke

Question 7

What are some common seizure types?

Answer 7

Tonic/clonic (grand mal)
Absence (petit mal)
Jacksonian
Psychomotor
Akinetic/ atonic
Myoclonic

Question 8

Which type of seizure starts with auras and can lead to status epilepticus and is considered a medical emergency?

Answer 8

Tonic/clonic

Question 9

Explain tonic/clonic seizures

Answer 9

Loss of consciousness
Tonic- rigid full body 1 min
Clonus- spasm of full body

Question 10

When is status epilepticus achieved?

Answer 10

More than 10 min not coming out of seizure

Question 11

Explain absence seizures

Answer 11

10-30 sec loss of consciousness
Frothing mouth
Eyes roll back
Minimal post ictal symptoms

Question 12

Explain jacksonian seizure

Answer 12

March like sequence, body spasm

Consciousness not affected

Question 13

What is a psychomotor seizure?

Answer 13

Stange feelings, hallucinations

Automotism (involuntary but coordinated motor activity during impaired state of consciousness)

Question 14

What is an akinetic/atonic seizure?

Answer 14

Only a few sec
No loss of consciousness
Trips, falls, stumbles etc

Question 15

What is myoclonic seizure?

Answer 15

Sudden brief shock like contractions

No loss of consciousness

Question 16

What are some complications of seizures?

Answer 16

Injuries
Todds paralysis (1-2 days after)
Status epilepticus
Cardiac arrest
Respiratory arrest
Long term complications

Question 17

Which seizures have highest risk of brain damage?

Answer 17

Spasmodic

Question 18

What are the side effects of:

1) dilantin
2) phenobarbitol

Answer 18

1) osteoporosis

2) dupuytrens contracture

Question 19

When is the best timing of treatment for someone taking seizure medication?

Answer 19

First half of interval in which they take meds

Question 20

How long is massage a CI after a spasmodic seizure?

Answer 20

24-48 hours

Question 21

What should you do to prep room for epilepsy client?

Answer 21

Eliminate triggers like lighting, scents, allergens, visual patterns
Treat on mat on floor
Move furniture or sharp objects
At least 6 pillows

Question 22

What should you do if someone has a seizure during tx?

Answer 22

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

Question 23

State what is appropriate for massage for each stage after a seizure

Answer 23

Acute- ci for 24-48 hrs
SA- 2-3 days after swedish
Chronic- deeper techniques