Epilepsy and management of convulsions Flashcards
Seizure
sudden change in behaviour caused by electrical hypersyncrhonisation of neuronal networks in cerebral cortex
Provoked seizures
occurs at the time of a systemic or brain insult - metabolic derangements, alcohol/drug withdrawal, acute neurological disorders (stroke, encephalitis, head injury)
Unprovoked seizure
unknown aetiology, pre-existing brain lesion
Focal seizures
occur in one hemisphere - simple focal (retain awareness), focal evolving (convulsions) and focal dyscognitive ( consciousness impaired at onset)
Generalised seizures
both hemispheres - absence, myoclonic (one jerking movement), atonic, clonic, tonic, tonic-clonic (stiff then shaking)
Epilepsy
> 2 seizures >24h apart, 1 unprovoked seizure and probability of further seizures similar to general recurrence risk after two unprovoked seizures over next 10 years
Temporal lobe seizure
Sudden sense of fear or joy Deja vu Strange odour or taste Roller coaster sensation in abdomen Memory
Gelastic seizure
Bouts of uncontrolled laughing or giggling
Occipital seizure
Multi-coloured flashing lights
Nysgamus
Parietal seizure
Paraesthesia Disorientation Hallucinations Language impairment Jacksonial march
Frontal seizures
Jacksonian march
Todds paralysis
Fencing posture
Tonic-clonic seizure
- Loss of consciousness with epileptic cry
- Tonic phase (<1min): arms, legs, chest, back stiff, eyes open with dilated pupils, elbows flexed, arms pronated and legs extended, teeth clenched - caused by rapid neuronal discharge
- Clonic phase (1-2min): muscles jerk, tongue biting and incontinence, bloody sputum/froth, eyes roll backwards and forwards - caused by slow neuronal discharge
Absence seizure
- Occur in childhood (4-12 yo)
- 5-10 seconds of vacant staring
- Brought on by hyperventilation
Myoclonic seizure
- Sudden generalised muscle contractions
- Occur in morning
- Develop tonic/clonic seizures
- Lifelong treatment with anti-epileptics
Provoked seizures
Stroke Bleed Brain injury Meningitis Drugs Alcohol withdrawal