Epilepsy I Flashcards
Partial seizure
begins in one area of the cortex
It may remain localized or spread to varying degrees including the whole cortex causing a classic grand mal seizure
period of altered mental status unaccompanied by major motor manifestations
postictal state
Simple behavior such as chewing and picking at clothing (automatisms) are more common
Primary generalized seizures
Generalized from the onset
These types of epilepsies do not originate from a single abnormal focus, but instead these are thought to occur because the cortex as a whole is hyper-irritable
Often genetic
Deep gray matter structures normally send frequent diffuse inputs to the widespread areas of the cerebral cortex. In these patients, these inputs can be over-reacted to, and a seizure occurs.
Absence seizures
a type of generalized seizure
involve widespread areas of the cortex but probably not all layers of neurons
varying amounts of cognitive impairment during these episodes
more common in the pediatric population, but seen in adults too
period of altered mental status unaccompanied by major motor manifestations
No postictal state usually
Signs and symptoms of seizure
Symptoms during the seizure are usually positive phenomenon. For example, if the primary visual cortex is involved, the patent may be expected to experience visual hallucinations.
Following a seizure the patient will experience negative symptoms, or in other words, a loss of function in the areas of brain involved. This is the postictal period.
The clinical manifestations of a seizure depend on the location and quantity of cortex involved
What causes the positive symptoms and the postictal period in seizures?
Positive symptoms: neuronal exhaustion
Postictal: inhibitory inputs to that area
