Epilepsy and blackouts

Question 1

What are the differential diagnoses for collapse/blackout?

Answer 1

1) Vasovagal syncope
2) Epilepsy
3) Cardiac arrhythmias
4) Hypoglycemia
5) Cataplexy (strong emotion or laughter causes a person to suffer sudden physical collapse though remaining conscious)

Question 2

What does SUDEP stand for?

Answer 2

Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy

Question 3

What is drug resistant or chronic epilepsy? (Intractable)

Answer 3

Continuous seizures despite effective trials of at least two appropriately selected antiepileptic drugs

Question 4

What is postictal confusion?

Answer 4

An altered state of consciousness post seizure.

Characterised by drowsiness, confusion, nausea, hypertension, headache, etc.

Question 5

What is Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS)?

Answer 5

Also known as childhood epileptic encephalopathy.

A paediatric epilepsy syndrome characterised by multiple seizure types; mental retardation or regression; and abnormal findings on electroencephalography (EEG).

Question 6

What is status epilepticus?

Answer 6

Two or more seizures in succession without recovery in between.
OR…
A seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes.

Question 7

What is the treatment for status epilepticus?

Answer 7

1) Benzodiazepines –> Clonazepam (administered 5 minutes into fit)
2) Phenobarbital
3) Phenytoin