Epilepsy

Question 1

What is Epilepsy?

Neuroendocrine disorders often associated with epilepsy?

Answer 1

Common chronic neurological disorder, more common in TBI patients [~15% post-TBI]: petit and grand mal

Recurrent unprovoked seizures.

Abnormal, excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain.

Neuroendocrine [NE] disorders may affect appetite/eating and thus cause weight gain
Impairment of hypothalamic-pituitary axis from damage to pituitary gland or resulting from high steroid use in recovery from TBI
May routinely assess for presence of NE disorders [blood tests] and monitor food intake and body mass.

Question 2

What are some anticonvulsant medications to prevent seizures or reduce seizure frequency:

Answer 2

Carbamazepine [tegretol]
Clonazepam [klonopin]
Gabapentin [neurotonin]
Oxcarbazepine [trileptal]

May need to check exercise contra-indications [cognitive slowing]