Epilepsy - RS Flashcards
types of seizures
generalized
focal (partial)
status epilepticus
non-epileptic
generalized are
bilateral and symmetrical w/o focal onset
generalized sz may be
idiopathic
ex of generalized sz
grand mal sz (tonic-clonic sz)
petit mal sz (absence sz)
myoclonic sz
atonic sz
focal (partial) sz
never idiopathic
encountering a sz
protect the person from injury
how to protect a person from injury
avoid falling
move objects out of the way
put in side lying so fluid can leak out of the mouth
during the sz
time the sz
call 911
when should one call 911
if sz lasts more than 5 min or if pregnant (no matter how long the sz last)
do not
put anything in pts mouth
hold down or move pt (allow sz to end)
why dont we put anything in the pt mouth
can break their jaw/teeth
injure yourself
helping after a sz
check pt for injury
turn to side lying if could not do it before
clear pts mouth of vomit or saliva if they have difficulty breathing
loosen tight clothing
after a sz –> provide
a safe area for pt to rest
stay with pt until awakens
when is a sz an emergency
seizure is greater than 5 min
pregnant pt
more than 1 sz occurs in 24 hrs
pt does not respond normally within 1 hr post sz
sz is accompanied by another issue
pt c/o severe pain after waking up or develops fever within 24 hours post sz
emergency –> sz accompanied by
CVA
TBI
DM
severe HA
post ingestion of poison or breathing fumes
pregnant pt
sz may be a sign of preeclampsia
when to treat a sz
abnormal EEG
previous sz
person drives
other neurological impairment
elderly
when not to treat a sz
single sz
no history
neurologically normal
young age
side effects
is there a cure of epilepsy
no
just ways to manage it
management
medications
surgery
vagus N stimulation
ketogenic diet
medications
can prevent sz completely in >50% of people
effectively decreases the occurrence by 20-30%
~20 are intractable to meds
management of epilepsy
identify trigger and avoid it
be diligent about keeping up with medication regimen
be education in what to do if sz occurs