Epilepsy Flashcards
what is epilepsy
recurrent episodes where there is a discharge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain leading to a seizure
what are some secondary causes of epilepsy
vascular disease, tumours
what are partial seizures
where the patient retain consciousness
what are generalised seizures
where the electrical charges spreads across both hemispheres of the brain causing a loss of consciousness
what is status epilepticus
where seizures become prolonged or are repeated without recovery intervals
what are the 2 types of anti-epileptic drugs
VGSC blockers and GABA enhances
name 3 types of VGSC blockers
carbamazepine
phenytoin
lamotrigine
how do VGSC blockers work
they bind to the sodium channel during depolarisation to prolong the inactive state of the neurone
what is carbamazepine used for
all types of seizures except absence seizures
what happens to the half life of carbamazepine with repeated use
it shortens as the drug induces its own CYP450
what are some ADRs of carbamazepine
dizziness, GI upset, rashes, bone marrow suppression
which drugs can carbamazepine lower the effect of
oral contraceptives
corticosteroids
warfarin
what is phenytoin used for
all seizures apart from absence seizures
what s lamotrigine used for
all seizures including absence seizures
why can lamotrigine be used for absence seizures
due to its affect on calcium channels
