Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

2nd year > Epilepsy > Flashcards

Epilepsy Flashcards

1
Q

what is epilepsy?

A

common condition that affects the brain and causes frequent seizures

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

what are seizures?

A

bursts of electrical activity in the brain
temporarily affects how the brain works
can cause a wide range of symptoms

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

when does epilepsy start?

A

any age
usually starts either in childhood or in people over 60
lifelong but can get slowly better over time

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

general symptoms of epilepsy?

A

uncontrollable jerking and shaking - fit
losing awareness and staring blankly into space
becoming stiff
strange sensations
collapsing

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

when to get medical help?

A

see GP if seizure experienced for the first time - may not be epilepsy there are several causes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

when to call 999?

A

having a seizure for first time
has a seizure that lasts more than 5 mins
has lots of seizures in a row
has breathing problems or has serious injury

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

what are the general treatments for epilepsy?

A

anti-epileptic drugs
surgery
small electrical device implanted into the body to control the seizures
keto diet

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

what do treatments for epilepsy do?

A

can reduce the number of seizures or stop them completely
some need treatment for life
treatment can be stopped if seizures disappear over time

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

general living advice for people with epilepsy

A 
most children can go to mainstream school 
driving
certain jobs 
swimming 
contr
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

what needs to be considered in people with epilepsy?

A 
swimming 
using contraception 
planning pregnancy 
bathing/showering 
driving
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

what are the causes of seizures?

A 
stroke
brain tumour 
severe head injury
drug abuse/alcohol misuse 
brain infection 
lack of oxygen during birth
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

what happens to the brain in epilepsy?

A

electrical signals in the brain become scrambled and there are sudden bursts of electrical activity which causes seizures

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

family history of epilepsy

A

some genetic link

1/3 people with epilepsy have a family member with it as well

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

what are the different types of seizures?

A 
simple partial/focal seizures/auras 
complex partial/focal seizures
tonic-clonic seizures
absence seizures
myoclonic seizures 
clonic seizures
tonic seizures 
atonic seizures
status epilepticus
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

what are the triggers of seizures?

A 
can be random or can have a trigger:
stress
lack of sleep
waking up 
drinking alcohol
medications
illegal drugs 
menstrual cycle/periods 
flashing lights
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

simple partial/focal seizures or auras

A 
general strangle feeling 
rising feeling in tummy 
deja vu 
unusual smells/tastes 
tingling in arms/legs 
intense feeling of fear or joy 
stiffness or twitching in the body 
awake and aware while these happen 
can be known as warnings/auras because they can be a sign that another seizure type is going to happen
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

complex partial/focal seizures

A 
lose sense of awareness 
random body movements, such as:
lip smacking 
rubbing hands
random noises
moving arms around 
picking at clothes
fibbling with objects 
chewing
swallowing 
non-responsive 
no memory of the events
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

tonic-clonic seizure

A

grand mal

has 2 stages - tonic and then clonic stage

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

tonic stage of tonic-clonic seizure

A

loss of consciousness
body goes stiff
fall to the floor

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

clonic stage of tonic-clonic seizure

A

limbs jerk about
lose bladder control or bowel control
may bite tongue or inside of cheek
difficulty breathing

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

post-drome of tonic clonic seizure

A 
normally stops after a few minutes 
some last longer 
headache or difficulty remembering what happened 
tiredness 
confusion
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

absence seizures

A

petit mal
lose awareness of surroundings for short time
blank staring into space
look like daydreaming
flutter eyes
make slight jerking movements of body or limbs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

who do absence seizures affect?

A

children mainly

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

what happens after an absence seizure?

A

last up to 15 seconds
unable to remember them
can happen several times a day

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

myoclonic seizures

A

where some or all of the body suddenly twitches or jerks
like an electric shock
often happens after waking
only last a fraction of a second
several can occur in a short space of time
normally remain awake

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

clonic seizures

A

causes the body to shake and jerk like a tonic-clonic seizure without the stiffness
last a few minutes and can cause loss of consciousness

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

tonic seizures

A

cause all muscles to suddenly become stiff

can cause loss of balance and falling over

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

atonic seizures

A

all muscles relax and people fall to ground

tend to be brief and people can usually get up again straight away

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

status epilepticus

A

any seizure that lasts a long time or a series of seizures where the person doesn’t regain consciousness in between
medical emergency

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

who will someone see after a seizure?

A

neurologist

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

how long will it take to see a neurologist?

A

within 2 weeks of referral

need to be cautious of another seizure while waiting - contact GP if there is another seizure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

recording seizures

A 
describe what happens 
when seizure happened
what patient was doing when it happened 
feeling before, during and after 
write notes to take to appointment 
get a witness account - video or someone that saw it
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

what tests can be done?

A

electroencephalogram - EEG

brain scan

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

diagnosis of epilepsy

A

based on symptoms

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

checking brain activity

A

EEG used to check for unusual electrical activity in the brain that can happen in people with epilepsy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

what happens in an EEG?

A

small sensors attached to scalp to pick up electrical signals and recorded by a machine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

brain scans

A

can be used to identify causes of epilepsy - tumour, damage, stroke, scarring
MRI

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

anti-epileptic drugs

A

control seizures in 7/10 people
change chemicals in brain
don’t cure epilepsy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

common anti-epileptic drugs

A 
sodium valproate 
carbamazepine
lamotrigine 
levetiracetam
topiramate
40
Q

how to choose an anti-epileptic drug?

A

depends on type of seizures
age
chance of having a baby

41
Q

forms of anti-epileptic drugs

A

tablets, capsules, liquids and syrups

42
Q

how are anti-epileptic drugs started?

A

low dose
gradually increase dose until the seizure stops
if first medication doesn’t work will recommend another

43
Q

taking anti-epileptics

A

most need to be taken daily
never suddenly stop taking
don’t take other medications including OTCs or complementary meds without speaking to GP/specialist first

44
Q

stopping anti-epileptics

A

if no seizure for a few years ask doctor before stopping and if safe dose will be reduced slowly

45
Q

side effects of anti-epileptics

A

common

some appear soon after starting treatment and pass in a few days/weeks but others may not appear for a few weeks

46
Q

what are the common side effects of AEDs?

A 
drowsiness
lack of energy
agitation 
headaches 
uncontrollable shaking/tremour 
hair loss 
unwanted hair growth
swollen gums 
rashes
47
Q

too high dose of anti-epileptic

A

can cause symptoms similar to being drunk - unsteadiness, poor concentration, vomiting - need to contact GP/specialist

48
Q

brain surgery for epilepsy

A

surgery to remove part of brain - can stop seizures completely

49
Q

when is surgery an option for epilepsy treatment?

A

anti-epileptics are not controlling the seizures
tests show that seizures are caused by a problem in small part of brain that can be removed without causing serious effects

50
Q

tests before surgery

A 
brain scans 
EEG 
memory tests 
learning ability tests 
mental health tests
51
Q

what is involved in surgery?

A

general anaesthetic
opening in skull
remove affected part of brain
close opening in skull

52
Q

recovery of surgery

A

few weeks-months to get back to normal

seizures may not stop straight away so may need to keep taking anti-epileptics for 1-2 years

53
Q

complications/risks of surgery

A

memory problems
mood changes
vision problems
problems may improve over time or can be permanent

54
Q

other non-medication and non-surgical options for epilepsy

A

vagus nerve stimulation
deep brain stimulation
keto diet
complementary therapies

55
Q

vagus nerve stimulation

A

small device under skin of chest attached to wire which connects to vagus nerve
bursts of electricity sent along wire to nerve to help control seizures by changing electrical signals to brain
doesn’t stop seizures completely but can reduce severity and frequency
still need anti-epileptics

56
Q

side effects of vagus nerve stimulation

A

hoarse voice
sore throat
cough on activation of device - every 5 mins for 30 seconds

57
Q

how long does vagus nerve stimulation last?

A

battery lasts up to 10 years, needs another procedure to replace

58
Q

deep brain stimulation

A

device under skin in chest connected to wires that go to brain
bursts of electricity send to brain to prevent seizures

59
Q

when is deep brain stimulation used?

A

new procedure
not used often
efficacy unclear

60
Q

risks of deep brain stimulation

A

bleeding on brain
depression
memory problems

61
Q

ketogenic diet

A

high in fat
low in carbs and protein
used to make seizures less likely by changing levels of chemicals in brain

62
Q

who is a ketogenic diet recommended for?

A

children only when anti-epileptics don’t work
not used in adults due to increased risk of diabetes and CVD
requires dietician supervision

63
Q

complementary therapies

A

no evidence
cautious of herbal remedies due to interactions with epilepsy medications - especially st john’s wort which can reduce efficacy of anti-epileptics
stress relieving and relaxation therapies
aromatherapy can trigger seizures

64
Q

living with epilepsy

A

identify and avoid seizure triggers
regular reviews
take medicine

65
Q

identify and avoid triggers

A

keep seizure diary to work out if there are triggers

deal with stress, avoid tiredness, cut down alcohol

66
Q

regular reviews

A

done by GP or epilepsy specialist team
annually
more often if poor control of epilepsy
talk about treatment, problems, feelings

67
Q

risky activities

A

cooking
driving
swimming

68
Q

staying safe at home

A

heater and radiator guards
smoke detectors to alert burning food if loss of awareness
cover furniture edges/corners
shower rather than bath
don’t lock bathroom door
saucepans on back burners with handles turned away from edge

69
Q

sports/leisure safety

A

avoid swimming/ water sports especially alone
wear helmet while cycling/horse riding
avoid certain gym equipment

70
Q

driving issues

A

stop driving
tell DVLA
reapply for licence under certain circumstances
further info on gov.uk website

71
Q

getting pregnant with epilepsy

A

can have healthy pregnancy
discuss plans with doctor
anti-epileptic drugs - sodium valproate can cause harm to baby
contact doctor if suddenly pregnant

72
Q

contraception

A

some anti-epileptics can affect contraceptives’ efficacy - combined oral contraceptive pill

73
Q

best contraceptives for people in anti-epileptics

A 
IUD
IUS
progestogen-only injection 
condoms 
discuss emergency contraception with GP/pharmacist
74
Q

advice for school/education

A

make sure teachers are aware of epilepsy, what medicine the child takes, how to spot and deal with seizures, impact epilepsy may have on attendance and schoolwork
some children need extra support

75
Q

working with epilepsy

A

speak to employed if condition makes working difficult - change working hours, make sure no driving is involved, written rather than spoken instructions and extra breaks/time off for medical appointments

76
Q

stopping working

A

entitled to financial support

77
Q

what financial support is available?

A

statutory sick pay - if job but cannot work
no job and cannot work due to epilepsy = employment and support allowance
<64 years old and need personal care/walking aims = personal independence payment
>65 = attendance allowance
carer of someone with epilepsy = carer’s allowance

78
Q

free prescriptions

A

anti-epileptics are free of charge and other meds for people on anti-epileptics

79
Q

support groups for epilepsy

A

epilepsy action - helplines, online forums, general advice, support groups
epilepsy society = helplines
sudden unexpected death in epilepsy action = advice and support for SUDEP or loss of loved one

80
Q

sudden unexpected death in epilepsy

A 
person with epilepsy dies during or after a seizure with no obvious reason 
rare 
sometimes preventable 
well controlled epilepsy reduces risk 
avoid triggers 
take medication
81
Q

SUDEP

A

sudden unexplained death in epilepsy

82
Q

what to do in relation to driving if you have a fit/seizure/convulsion?

A

must tell DVLA if not there is risk of £1000 fine or prosecution if you have an accident as a result

83
Q

what to do if you have a seizure and you have a car/motorcycle licence

A

fill in form FEP1 and send to DVLA

84
Q

what to do if you have a seizure and a bus/coach/lorry licence?

A

fill in FEP1V form and send to the DVLA

85
Q

what happens when you fill in FEP1/FEP1V form ?

A

may have licence taken away

86
Q

what affects when you can reapply for licence?

A

what type of seizure, medications and how long since last seizure

87
Q

what happens if you have epileptic seizures while awake that cause loss of consciousness?

A

licence will be removed
can reapply if you haven’t had a seizure for at least a year. This is different if there has been a change/reduction in anti-epileptic medication

88
Q

when can you reapply for licence after change/reduction in anti-epileptics

A

seizure has to be more than 6 months ago
you have been back on previous medication for 6 months - following the seizure
not had another seizure since

89
Q

driving rules if you have had a one-off seizure while awake and lost consciousness?

A

licence will be removed

can reapply

90
Q

when can you reapply for driving licence if you have had a one-off seizure while awake and lost consciousness?

A

haven’t had a seizure for 6 months
DVLA medical advisors decide that there is not a high risk you will have another seizure
otherwise reapply after a year

91
Q

what do DVLA medical advisers base their decisions on?

A

information from person and doctors

may need to carry out investigations

92
Q

what happens with driving if you’ve had seizures while asleep and awake?

A

can qualify for a licence if only seizures have occurred while asleep for the last 3 years
fill in form and DVLA will let you know
stop driving until DVLA contact

93
Q

driving if you’ve had seizures while asleep?

A

can qualify for a licence if it has been 12 months or more since first seizure
DVLA will inform once form has been sent
stop driving until contact from DVLA

94
Q

driving if you’ve had seizures that don’t affect consciousness/driving?

A

if these are the only type of seizures and they haven’t occurred for 12 months then can keep licence but DVLA will contact with a decision once form is filled in. Must stop driving until then

95
Q

bus/coach/lorry driving if had more than 1 seizure

A

before reapplying must show:
- no seizures for 10 years
- you haven’t been taking anti-epileptics for 10 years
- you haven’t got a 2% or higher risk of another seizure according to DVLA medical advisers
You need to have a car/motorbike licence as well

96
Q

bus/coach/lorry driving if experienced a one-off seizure

A

no epileptic seizure for 5 years
no anti-epileptic medication for 5 years
must have a car/motorbike licence
must have been assessed in the past 12 months by a neurologist
must have results from medical investigations for epilepsy that are satisfactory to DVLA’s medical advisers

2nd year (48 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions