NERVOUS SYSTEM - EPILEPSY Flashcards
what is epilepsy?
Seizure caused by hyper-excitable neurones firing AP.
What are the 3 types of seizures?
Focal
Generalised
Absence
What is 1st line drug treatment for focal seizures? (2 options)
Lamotrigine
Levetiracetam
Who is sodium valproate used in?
Patients who cannot have children
What are the 3 types of generalised seizures?
Tonic clonic
Myoclonic
Atonic, tonic
What is 1st line drug treatment for generalised seizures?
Sodium valproate
What is an absence seizure?
Last just a few seconds, and are characterized by a blank or “absent” stare.
What is 1st line drug treatment for absence seizures?
Ethosuximide
OR sodium valproate
What is a focal seizure?
Focal onset seizures start in ONE area and can spread ACROSS the brain and cause mild or severe symptoms
What is a generalised seizure?
Generalised seizures start as focal seizures that spread to BOTH sides of the brain.
What is MHRA 2017 warning regarding anti-epileptic switching?
Potential harm arising from switching of anti-epileptic brands.
Caused worsening SE + loss of seizure control
What is category 1 epilepsy medication?
Ensure the person is maintained on a specific manufacturer’s product.
List the 4 Category 1 epileptic drugs?
Carbamazepine
Phenytoin
Primidone
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin and methotrexate interaction?
Blood disorders
What are category 2 epilepsy medications? (TLCV)
Topiramate
Lamotrigine
Clonazepam
Valproate
What should we do if we need to switch category 2 anti-epileptics?
use clinical judgement and discuss seizure frequency and treatment history with the person and/or carer
What are Category 3 epileptic drugs? (LEGP)
Levitiracetam
Ethosuximide
Gabapentin
Pregabalin
Do we need to maintain same brand of category 3 epileptic drugs?
No need unless patient anxiety, risk of confusion or dosing errors
When do we keep patient on same cat 3 epileptic drug ?
If pt has anxiety, risk of confusion or dosing errors
What is Antiepileptic hypersensitivity syndrome?
Rare- dangerous
allergic reaction to some anti-epileptic drugs.
What to do if patient has Antiepileptic hypersensitivity syndrome?
Stop treatment
When does anti-epileptic hypersensitivity syndrome symptoms start?
Symptoms usually start between 1 to 8 weeks of exposure.
What 3 symptoms are common in antiepileptic hypersensitivity syndrome?
fever, rash, and lymphadenopathy
When can a decision be made about withdrawing anti-epileptic medicines?
Decision to withdraw antiepileptic drugs from a seizure-free patient MAY be considered after the patient has been seizure-free for at least two years
What 2 anti-epileptic classes are withdrawal dangerous in as it can cause rebound seizures?
barbiturates and benzodiazepines
What can abruptly stopping anti-epileptic medications do?
Cause rebound seizures
When does a patient STOP driving after having seizure?
If driver has a seizure (of any type) they must stop driving NOW + inform the (DVLA).
What 4 requirements must patients meet in order to start driving with established epilepsy?
No unprovoked seizures for 1 year
Seizure free
Seizure pattern + no effect on consciousness.
must NOT have a history of unprovoked seizures.
Patients who have had a 1st unprovoked epileptic seizure or a single isolated seizure CANNOT DRIVE for how many months?
6 months
Can patients who have had seizure in sleep drive?
NOT permitted to drive for 1 year from the date of each seizure unless they meet 2 criteria.
How long can someone drive after established epilepsy?
may drive a motor vehicle provided they are not a danger.
Patients must be seizure-free for at least one year
What are the 2 exceptions for patients with sleep seizures being able to drive?
Pattern of sleep seizures occurring only ever while asleep 1 year from first sleep seizure.
Established pattern of purely asleep seizures can be demonstrated over the course of 3 years if the patient has previously had seizures whilst awake.
What does the dvla recommend about driving after medication changes or withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs
no driving for at least 6 months from last dose
If a seizure happens due to medication withdrawal or change in medication, how long is license revoked for?
1 year - can be given after 6 months if treatment resumed + no seizures.
What is dosing frequency for anti-epileptic drugs?
twice daily
What are 2 carbamazepine derivatives?
Oxcarbazepine
Eslicarbazepine
What is 1 MAJOR risk of using gabapentin?
Severe respiratory depression
What specific indication is gabapentin also used for aside from epilepsy?
Neuropathic pain
What side effect is specific to lamotrigine use?
Severe skin reactions
What 2 skin reactions have developed due to use of lamotrigine?
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)
toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
When is it better to take lamotrigine and why?
Night as can make you tired
What is the prodrug of phenytoin called?
Fosphenytoin
What anti-epileptic drug is most teratogenic?
Sodium valproate
What is 1 specific side effect of topiramate?
Eye disorders/ cleft palate
What is 2 specific rare SEs of vigabatrin?
Encephalopathy
eye disorders/ Visual field defect
What is the name of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor which is also used for epilepsy?
acetazolamide
What is an example of a barbituate?
Phenobarbital
What is primidone metabolised into?
partially metabolised to phenobarbital
List 5 benzodiazepines used in epilepsy?
Cabazam
Clonazepman
Diazepam
Lorazepam
Midazolam
What is a key MHRA warning about anti-epileptic drugs?
Teratogenic
What 4 anti-epileptic drugs have increasing teratogenicity?
Carbamazepine
Phenytoin
Phenobarbital
Pregabalin
What do patients need when taking teratogenic drugs?
Highly effective contraception
What do do is patient planning to be pregnant and on epileptic drug?
Do not stop drug.
Urgent referral to specialist + give folic acid.
Join Uk epilepsy/ pregnancy register
What 3 drugs is teratogenicity dose dependent? (CPT)
carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and topiramate
What injection minimises the risk of neonatal haemorrhage at birth?
Vitamin K
Who should be encouraged to join the UK Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register?
Any pregnant female with epilepsy who are and are not taking meds
What is given to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in pregnancy?
Folate supplements given especially in 1st trimester
Can women breastfeed if on epileptic drugs?
If females taking monotherapy, they can.
If a female is on combination therapy or other risk factors= close monitoring is recommended
What 4 anti-epileptic drugs present in breastmilk? (ZELP)
zonisamide
Ethosuximide
Lamotrigine
Primidone
What 2 anti-epileptic drugs if slow metabolism in infant can cause drug buildup?
phenobarbital + lamotrigine
When is breastfeeding encouraged in epileptic patients?
When patient on monotherapy
What is 1 particular side effect of Zonisamide?
Over heating - makes you sweat less
What 4 things should breast-fed infants be monitored for if mum taking anti-epileptic?
drowsiness + feeding difficulties, adequate weight gain, and developmental milestones
What 3 drugs/classes cause drowsiness in breast fed babies?
Primidone
Phenobarbital
Benzodiazepines