epilepsy I-II Flashcards
What is a seizure
an occasional, sudden, excessive and rapid discharge of gray matter, resulting in positive symptoms (ie. if the primary visual cortex is involved, the patent may be expected to experience visual hallucinations) and followed by negative symptoms (loss of function in brain area involved)
Mechanisms of post-ictal period
This is the period where negative symptoms occur following seizure. Due to neuronal exhaustion and inhibitory inputs to the area
Seizure classifications
generalized vs partial (focal)
Where do partial seizures occur
in one area of the cortex. May remain localized or spread to whole cortex causing grand mal seizure.
Where do general seizures occur
do not originate from a single abnormal focus, but instead these are thought to occur because the cortex as a whole is hyper-irritable. The cortex over reacts to inputs from deep gray matter
What are absence seizures,
A type of general seizure which involves widespread areas of cortex but not all layers of neurons. Varying cognitive impairment and are more common in children but can occur in adults
Compare absence seizures and partial complex seizures
. Both of these consist of a period of altered mental status unaccompanied by major motor manifestations. Simple behavior such as chewing and picking at clothing (automatisms) are more common in partial complex seizures, but may also be seen in absences. In general, partial complex seizures are followed by a postictal state whereas most absence seizures are not.
Most common cause of epilepsy
unknown-50%
Define epilepsy
–2 or more unprovoked seizures separated by greater than 24 hours or 1 seizure with studies suggesting further risk for seizures
classifications of partial seizures
simple or complex
classifications of generalized seizures
absence, myoclonic, tonic clonic, tonic, atonic
Understand that epilepsy is a disorder of recurrent, spontaneous seizures and that epilepsy can be classified by generalized and partial syndromes or by etiologies.
ok
List symptomatic seizures with known etiologies
Structural abnormalities: tumor or AVM
Who do most idiopathic seizures affect
children
Benign vs catastrophic epilepsy
Benign: easily treated with meds, normal Intelligence, genetic predisposition, tests are normal, unknown cause. Catastrophic: intractable to medications, affect development with mental retardation and shortens lifespan of child, EEG, MRI and other tests abnormal, symptomatic reason for seizure
