Epilepsy Flashcards
What is a seizure?
A seizure is a release of excessive and uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain
What is epilepsy?
Is a neurological condition that in different times produce brief disturbances in the electrical functions of the brain.
What’s included in an evaluation of a single seizure?
History of events Medical history Family history Social history Laboratory evaluation- eeg Mri bloods Physical examination Neurological examination
Role of mental health nurse in managing seizures?
Learn specific types of seizures and there differences in description
Check they have control and assist in any issues
Learn their specific warnings scores and aura?
Build a person centred care plan with these warning signs and managing plan
Learn of any injuries
Learn of any disabilities
Check compliance
What medication do people with epilepsy take?
Anticonvulsants Valproic acid Lamotrigine Topirinate Tegretol
Epilepsy first aid?
Protect from injury Cushion head Look for epilepsy card Recovery position Reassurance
Different types of seizure
Generalised - a tonic , clonic, tonic-clonic, tonic, myoclonic, absence- atypical/typical
and partial
Explain tonic clonic seizure
In the tonic stage you lose consciousness and your body can go stiff and fall to the floor.
Your limbs jerk, lose bladder/bowel control , bite tongue or mouth, can stop breathing
The clonic stage you can have severe headache, feel tired, unwell, confused/memory problems, go into deep sleep
Explain tonic seizure
Same as tonic clonic with the jerk
Explain atonic seizure
Also known as the drop attack. You lose muscle tone and fall to the fall
Explain Myoclonic
Isolated or short lasting jerks, these don’t last long
Explain absence seizure
There are two types of Absence
Atypical - change of muscle tone, clumsy
Typical - unconscious for a few seconds,can look like your day dreaming
How to manage epilespy?
Check compliance of medication Have annual reviews Community care assessments if nec for seizure alarm Risk assessments Keep seizure diary
