Epilepsy (bronze) Flashcards
What is Epilepsy?
Chronic condition
-
Hypersynchronous electrical discharge of
cortical neurons and seizure activity. - Typically unprovoked and unpredictable
Etiology
Various classification however most are [idiopathic] (50% of cases)
Associated conditions:
Brain Injury:
- Head Trauma
- CVA
- tumor
Genetic Influence/Developmental Disorders
- CP
- Down Syndrome
- Autism
Signs and Symptoms
Loss of Awareness or Consciousness
- Mood disturbances
- Staring
Treatments
Antiepileptic Medication
- There is no medication to “cure” epilepsy
Surgical options may available if pharmacological intervention has failed
What is Aura?
“Simple” partial seizure that produces symptoms that alert the person that something is about to happen.
What to do during a seizure?
- remove objects from surrounding the person
- maintain awareness of length of time of seizure
- do not try to hold person down, there is no need to restrain the patient
- avoid placing object into persons mouth (person is not capable of swallowing tongue)
- Call 911 if seizure is longer than 5 minutes
What is the hallmark sign of epilepsy?
Seizures are the hallmark sign of epilepsy
[however one seizure is not necessarily epilepsy]
What should a PT do when the seizure is over?
Place the person on their left side to avoid choking in case a person vomits.
What laboratory or imaging studies would confirm the diagnosis?
Electroencephalogram
- Measures electrical activity of the brain
- Most common test to confirm the diagnosis
What duration of time would prompt the PT to contact 911?
If the seizure lasts longers than 5 Minutes
Should you try to restrain an individual having a seizure?
No Ma’am
“We should try to consider our own safety if an individual is thrashing around”
Should you try to provide food, water or medications during the event of a seizure?
No bitch, wait til the individual is fully alert/oriented
Should you try to place something in the individuals mouth in the event of a seizure?
NO NO NO
