Epilepsy Tutorial Flashcards
1
Q
Define epilepsy
A
The term epilepsy refers to a disorder of brain function characterized by the periodic and unpredictable occurrence of seizures.
2
Q
Define seizure
A
The term seizure refers to a transient alteration of behaviour due to the disordered, synchronous, and rhythmic firing of populations of brain neurones.
3
Q
Briefly state the different types of seizures in epilepsy
A
- Partial seizures, those beginning focally at a cortical site
- Generalized seizures, those that involve both hemispheres widely from the outset.
- A simple partial seizure is associated with preservation of consciousness, whilst a complex partial seizure is associated with impairment of consciousness. - Examples of generalized seizures include absence, myoclonic and tonic-clonic seizures.
4
Q
Describe the pharmacological evidence for the role of neurotransmitters in epilepsy
A
- Impairment of GABA-mediated inhibition causes seizures in animals, while enhancement reduces seizures
- Glutamate causes seizure-like activity too
5
Q
Give some examples of drugs used in epilepsy treatment
A
- Tiagabine inhibits reuptake of GABA
- Vigabatrin and valproate inhibits GABA transaminase (so GABA is not converted)
- Benzodiazapines and phenoarbital enhance GABA