Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders Flashcards
What is the definition of a seizure?
Abnormal electrical activity in the brain caused by the hyperexcitability of neurons, especially in cortical area
What is the definition of epilepsy?
2 or more unprovoked seizures (recurrent)
At what time point in a seizure does an “aura” occur?
the actual start of a seizure & may be though of as a ‘warning’
What is an “ictal”?
the period during a sudden attack, sucha s seizure or stroke
What does “refractory” mean with reference to seizures?
treatment fails to achieve seizure freedom for 12 months or more
What is the term for a prolonged seizure or a series of repeated seizures?
status epilepticus
How long does a seizure have to go to be considered status epilepticus?
Is this serious?
5 minutes
medical emergency
What are the 3 major etiologies of seizures?
- genetic
- cryptogenic
- structural/metabolic
What are the genetic etiologies of seizures?
- mutations of ion channels (NMDA, Ca2+, Cl-)
- mutations of transmitter receptors
- chromosomal abnormalities
What are the 3 general seizure classifications?
Focal onset
Generalized onset
Unkown onset
What are the subclssifications of Focal Onset Seizure?
- Aware / Impaired awareness
- Motor onset / Non-motor onset
Focal onset seizures may progress to what type of seizure?
bilateral tonic-clonic
What the subclassifications of Generalized onset seizures?
- motor
- tonic clonic
- other motor
- Non-motor
- (absence seizures)
What are the subclassifications of unkonwn onset seizures?
- motor
- tonic clonic
- other motor
- Non-motor
- unclassified
What type of seizure often begins with a blank dazed stare?
focal with impaired awareness
When should a patient be worked up for a febile seizure with an MRI & an EEG?
Todds paralysis or anything that might suggest prolonged seizure or focal nature