Module 8 Part 3: Seizure Disorders Flashcards
(39 cards)
what is the definition of a seizure?
episodes of abnormal motor, sensory, autonomic, or psychiatric activity
what are seizures a result of?
sudden excessive discharge from the cerebral neurons
what are partial seizures?
begin in one part of the brain
what are generalized seizures?
involve electrical charges in the whole brain
is consciousness lost in a simple partial seizure?
NO
is consciousness lost in complex partial seizures?
YES
are seizures idiopathic or acquired?
can be both!
what are some things that can cause seizures?
- cerebrovascular disease
- hypoxemia
- fever (childhood)
- head injury
- hypertension
- CNS infections
- metabolic and toxic conditions
- brain tumor
- drug and alcohol withdrawal
- allergies
what is important to do for the patient during the seizure?
- protect the patient from injury
- observe and record
what does the nature of the seizure determine?
the type of treatment is required
what things are you looking for when assessing a patient before or during a seizure? (ITS LOOOONG)
- circumstances of the seizure
- the occurrence of an aura
- the first thing the patient does in the seizure;
- the type of movement involved
- the area of the body involved
- the size of pupils and whether the eyes are opened
- whether the eyes or head is turned to one side
- incontinence of urine or stool
- duration of the seizure
- inability to speak after
- movements at the end
what do you have to monitor about the first thing a patient does in a seizure?
- where the movements and stiffness begin
- conjugate gaze position, and the position of the head at the beginning of the seizure
why do we care about the position at the beginning of the seizure?
because it gives indication where the seizure begins in the brain
what does the nurse need to do after the seizure?
document the events leading up to and occurring during and after the seizure to prevent complications
what is the patient at risk for after the seizure?
- hypoxia
- vomiting
- pulmonary aspiration
why is the patient placed in side-laying position while the seizure is happening?
- to drain the secretions out of their mouth and to reduce the risk of aspiration
- use suction if needed
what do you do to the patient’s bed to prevent injury?
the lowest position, 2-3 rails up and padded
what is epilepsy?
a group of syndromes characterized by unprovoked, recurring seizures
what are epileptic syndromes classified by?
- age of onset
- family history
- seizure type
what do the different types of seizures differ?
how the seizure activity manifests
when is epilepsy primary?
when they are idiopathic
when is epilepsy considered secondary?
when the cause is known and epilepsy is a symptom of another disease such as a brain tumor
what produces the “epileptic cry”?
simultaneous contractions of the diaphragm and chest muscles
what is a diagnostic assessment for?
- determining the type of seizure, their frequency and severity, and the factors that precipitate them
