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AIP: Seizures > Generalised seizures > Flashcards

Generalised seizures Flashcards

1
Q

What are the 4 key types of generalised seizures?

A
  1. Absence seizures
  2. Tonic-clonic seizures
  3. Myoclonic seizures
  4. Atonic seizures
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2
Q

Which patients are most commonly affected by absence seizures?

A

children

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3
Q

What is the typical appearance of an absence seizure?

A

patients, often children, pause briefly for less than 10 seconds then carry on where they left off

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4
Q

What may be a trigger for absence seizures?

A

voluntary hyperventilation e.g. blowing on a little windmill thing

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5
Q

What are 2 groups into which absence seizures can be classed?

A

typical and atypical

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6
Q

What are 2 common features of typical absence seizures?

A
  1. Sudden, momentary loss of contact with surroundings
  2. Minor jerking of the eyelids
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7
Q

How long may absence seizures typically last?

A

10 seconds

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8
Q

How frequently can absence seizures occur?

A

several times a day, without child’s awareness

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9
Q

How can typical absences sometimes present?

A

learning difficulties, as may be reported by teacher as deteriorating for no clear reason (or they may pick up the minor eyelid jerking)

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10
Q

What are 3 ways that atypical absences differ from typical absences?

A
  1. More prolonged
  2. Typically secondary to brain damage
  3. May involve dropping to ground, leading to injuries
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11
Q

What are the 2 first line options for absence seizure treatment?

A
  1. Sodium valproate
  2. Ethosuximide
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12
Q

What are the 3 key phases of tonic-clonic seizures?

A
  1. Tonic phase: rigidity
  2. Clonic phase: jerking
  3. Post-ictal phase: confusion
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13
Q

What drug must be avoided in absence seizures due to worsening them?

A

carbamazepine

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14
Q

What are 3 classic features of the tonic phase of tonic-clonic seizures?

A
  1. Patient may cry out then fall
  2. Become rigid with jaw clenching/limb stiffening
  3. Breath holding and froth coming from the mouth
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15
Q

What are 3 features of the clonic phase of tonic-clonic seizures?

A
  1. Rhythmic jerking of limbs, neck and back
  2. Tongue-biting
  3. Urinary incontinence
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16
Q

How long does the clonic phase of tonic-clonic seizures tend to last for?

A

minutes

17
Q

What are 6 key features of the post-ictal phase following a tonic-clonic seizure?

A
  1. Confusion
  2. Irritable
  3. Drowsy
  4. Common that patient starts talking and can’t recognise people around them. Usually can’t remember this confusion phase
  5. Headaches and muscle pains due to jerking
  6. Sleep hours following the attacks
18
Q

What are 2 options for the first-line treatment for tonic-clonic seizures?

A
  1. Sodium valproate
  2. Lamotrigine
19
Q

What do atonic seizures involve?

A

sudden loss of muscle tone, causing patient to fall, usually whilst retaining consciousness

20
Q

What is consciousness typically like during atonic seizures?

A

usually retained consciousness

21
Q

What are 2 types of generalised seizures that may be associated with retained consciousness?

A
  1. Atonic
  2. Myoclonic (with or without)
22
Q

What do myoclonic seizures typically involve?

A

sudden, brief jerk of a limb, trunk or face (often upper limb) with or without consciousness

23
Q

What might a myoclonic seizure precede?

A

May precede a generalised tonic-clonic seizure

24
Q

Which age group is commonly affected by myoclonic seizures?

A

adolescents

25
Q

At what time of day will myoclonic seizures often occur and how does this manifest?

A

Often in the morning e.g. while having breakfast, spill cereal/milk or having teeth brushed

26
Q

What is the first line treatment for atonic seizures?

A

sodium valproate or lamotrigine

27
Q

What is the first line treatment for myoclonic seizures?

A

sodium valproate

28
Q

Which type fo drug should be avoided for myoclonic seizures and why?

A

carbamazepine can worsen

29
Q

What are 2 alternative first line options to treat myoclonic seizures in women of childbearing age?

A
  1. Levetiracetam
  2. Topiramate

AIP: Seizures (14 decks)

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