Final Exam Flashcards - Seizures
Seizures
-Characterized by a sudden excessive discharge of cerebral neurons which causes brief disruption in normal brain activity
Seizure Classifications
- Generalized seizures
- Partial seizures
- Status epilepticus
Generalized Seizures
- Spread across both of the cerebral hemispheres
- Tonic-clonic (grand mal)
- Myoclonic
- Absence (petit mal)
Partial Seizures
- Confined to a single hemisphere
- Complex (psychomotor)
- Simple (focal)
Drugs Used to Treat Seizures
- Hydantoins
- Valproates
- Iminostilbenes
- GABA analogs
- Broad spectrum agents
Hydantoins
- Used for treatment of generalized seizures, partial seizures, and status epilepticus
- Have a Narrow TI
Hydantoins ADR’s
- N/V
- Ataxia
- Sedation
- Cleft palate in newborns
- Decreased folic acid, calcium, and vitamin D absorption
Valproates
- Enhance the inhibitory actions of GABA
- Indicated for the treatment of most seizure types including absence seizures
- Protein binding drug interactions are common
Valproates ADR’s
- N/V
- Sedation
- weight gain
- Hair loss
- Tremor
- Double vision
- Hepatotoxicity - rare
Iminostilbenes
-Carbamazepine eventually induces the same enzymes that metabolizes it, causing serum levels to fluctuate and resulting in poor seizure control
Iminostilbenes ADR’s
-N/V
-dizziness
-Sedation
-Ataxia
-Jaundice
-Double vision
Stevens Johnson Syndrome
Gaba Analogs
- Used for treatment of general and partial seizures
- All directly or indirectly increase GABA binding, reuptake, inactivation, or turnover
GABA Analogs ADR’s
-Dizziness
-Confusion
-Ataxia
-Nausea
-Increased appetite
-Double vision
Dry mouth
-Constipation
-Irreversible tunnel vision (vigabatrin)
Broad Spectrum Agents
-Indicated for generalized and/or focal seizures
Broad Spectrum Agents ADR’s
- Sedation and dizziness
- Nausea and ataxia
- Blurred/double vision
- Weakness
- Headache
