Epilepsy and Seizures (8.3)

Question 1

Define the terms ‘seizure’ and ‘epilepsy’

Outline why epilepsy may arise

Answer 1

Seizure: The manifestation of abnormal, hypersynchronous activity of a population of neurones

Epilepsy: A disorder of the brain in which there is a predisposition to generate seizures

Structural: Tumour, scars

Congenital: Channelopathy, abnormal cortical networks

Question 2

Describe the common types of epileptic seizure

Answer 2

Question 3

Epilepsy: Aetiology, mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment

Answer 3

Question 4

Outline why not all seizures are resultant of epilepsy

Answer 4

Provoked: Sleep deprivation, raised ICP, alcohol

May be confused for syncope

• Visual changes, dizziness, greying of the skin etc seen prior to syncope
• Precipitating factors include extremes of heat, dehydration, fasting and exertion