Epilepsy II

Question 1

Define a “spell”

Answer 1

Non-specific term for a sudden, paroxysmal event

Question 2

Define Provoked seizures

Answer 2

a seizure triggered by a brain injury or insult that would have reasonably resulted in a seizure in any person AND if removed or avoided would likely lead to cessation of seizures

Question 3

Name 5 causes of provoked seizures

Answer 3

1) Toxic: Alcohol intoxication and withdrawal
2) Metabolic: Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
3) Structural: Acute stroke
4) Infectious: Meningoencephalitis
5) Traumatic: Early post traumatic seizures

Question 4

Generalized, is a seizure that is nearly simultaneous or synchronized in the majority of the cortex, mediated by the _____

Answer 4

thalamus

Question 5

Partial seizure can subsequently spread and involve most of the brain. This was referred to a _______ seizure and should not be confused with a primarily generalized seizures.

Answer 5

secondarily generalized

Question 6

If you have determined that the seizure Is a partial seizure, then Simple vs. Complex is determined– does the partial, or focal, seizure result in alteration of awareness?
If not then it is considered ______.
If so it is considered ________.

Answer 6

simple,

complex.

Question 7

what is a tonic seizure

Answer 7

Type of generalized seizure

Tonic sustained contraction of muscles, often referred to as spasms in certain conditions.

Question 8

What is a clonic seizure

Answer 8

Type of generalized Seizure

Rhythmic repetitive movement of muscles

Question 9

What is a Tonic-clonic

Answer 9

The progression of tonic contraction to clonic movements. Referred to alternatively as Generalized Tonic-Clonic (GTC) seizures and grand mal seizures

Question 10

what is a Myoclonic seizure?

Answer 10

Irregular sudden movements that are non-stereotyped (not the exact same movement each time as opposed to clonic movements which are the same)

Question 11

what is an Atonic seizure?

Answer 11

sudden loss of motor tone that if involves the core or lower extremities can result in falls. Alternatively known as drop attacks.

Question 12

what is Todd’s paralysis

Answer 12

temporary paralysis after a motor seizure

Question 13

partial seizures are initially generated and potentially propagated by ________connections

Answer 13

cortical to cortical

Question 14

generalized seizures are mediated by _______ connections

Answer 14

thalamo-cortical (connections between the thalamus and the cortex)

Question 15

what are the complications of generalized convulsive status epilepticus

Answer 15

rhabdomyolysis, 
hyperthermia, 
potential cardiac arrest.  
orthopedic injury.  
hhepatic and renal organ failure

Question 16

epilepsy is the ____ most common neurologic disorder

Answer 16

3rd

Question 17

what are the most common known causes of seizures

Answer 17

strokes,
trauma,
neoplasm,
degenerative.

Question 18

65% of the causes of epilepsy are _______

Answer 18

idiopathic

Question 19

define Paroxysmal

Answer 19

sudden without a very predictable pattern

Question 20

Todd’s paralysis is transient weakness after a seizure and can look like a ______

Answer 20

TIA or stroke.

Question 21

Non-epileptic spells are also known as ______

Answer 21

Psychogenic seizures,
pseudoseizures,
stress induced seizures

Question 22

Non epileptic spells are a form of conversion disorder and is Treated by __________

Answer 22

cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Question 23

Approximately ______ of those with new onset seizures will suffer reoccurrence

Answer 23

50%

Question 24

what factors would lead you treat a patient with their first seizure

Answer 24

Focal neuro exam
Lesion on imaging
Unprovoked
Abnormal EEG
Focal seizure
Long seizure