Epilepsy

Question 1

What is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain?

Answer 1

Glutamate

Question 2

What is the receptor for the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain?

Answer 2

NMDA receptor

Question 3

What is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain?

Answer 3

GABA

Question 4

What is the receptor for the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain?

Answer 4

GABA receptor

Question 5

What is Epilepsy defined as?

Answer 5

Two or more seizures within a 12 month period

Question 6

What is the main ion which is involved in excitatory Glutamate transmission of the brain?

Answer 6

Calcium ions, Ca2+

Question 7

What is the main ion which is involved in inhibitory GABA transmission of the brain?

Answer 7

Chloride, Cl-

Question 8

What are some symptoms experienced after a seizure?

Answer 8

• Postictal confusion

- Todd’s paralysis

Question 9

If a patient loses consciousness during a seizure, is this a generalised or focal seizure?

Answer 9

Generalised

Question 10

What is a Tonic seizure?

Answer 10

Type of generalised seizure, whereby patient is stiff and flexed and may fall backwards

Question 11

What is a Atonic seizure?

Answer 11

Type of generalised seizure, whereby patient is relaxed and may fall forwards

Question 12

What is a Clonic seizure?

Answer 12

Type of generalised seizure, characterised by violent muscle contractions

Question 13

What is a Tonic-Clonic seizure?

Answer 13

Type of generalised seizure, characterised by a flexed / stiff phase, followed by violent muscle contractions

Question 14

What is a Myoclonic seizure?

Answer 14

Type of generalised seizure, characterised by short muscle twitches

Question 15

What is an Absent seizure?

Answer 15

Type of generalised seizure, involving sudden LOC, blank stare etc.

Question 16

A seizure which began as Focal and becomes Generalised is called…?

Answer 16

Focal onset bilateral tonic clonic seizure

Question 17

What is the Jacksonian March?

Answer 17

Refers to a Focal seizure, whereby one group of muscles twitching, spreads to other muscle groups

Question 18

What is Status Epilepticus?

Answer 18

Seizures lasting greater than 5 mins

Question 19

What is the principle behind Ketogenic diets for Epilepsy?

Answer 19

High fat diet, which generates ketone bodies for the brain to use instead of glucose

Question 20

Give one example of a genetic cause for Epilepsy

Answer 20

Tuberous Sclerosis (benign tumours in the brain, skin etc.)

Question 21

State four Na+ channel blocking anti-epileptic drugs

Answer 21

• Sodium Valproate
• Phenytoin
• Lamotrigine
• Carbamazepine

Question 22

State three GABA receptor agonist anti-epileptic drugs

Answer 22

• Sodium Valproate
• Phenobarbital
• Diazepam

Question 23

State one T-type Ca2+ channel blocker anti-epileptic drug

Answer 23

• Ethosuxamide

Question 24

What is the mechanism of action of anti-psychotic Haloperidol?

Answer 24

DOPA receptor antagonist

Question 25

Of all the anti-epileptic drugs, which one has a narrow therapeutic index?

Answer 25

Phenytoin