NEURO - Epilepsy, MS + Parkinsons Flashcards
Def Syncope
Transient LOC due to cerebral hypoperfusion
What are the 3 main types of syncope
Vaso-vagal
Postural HoTN
Post-prandial HoTN
What is Vasovagal syncope
Fainting due to a sudden reflex bradycardia and peripheral vasodilation
What is vasovagal syncope in response to? (4)
Standing
Fear
Venesection
Pain
LOC time vasovagal syncope
<2mins
Recovery - vasovagal syncope
Rapid
Mx vasovagal syncope
None req
What is postural HoTN
Drop in SBP by >2-+ on standing
Ix postural HoTN
Measure sitting + standing BP at 1,5,10mins
What is post-prandial HoTN
Drop in 20+ SBP after eating
B/c pooling blood in splanchnic vasculature
Other types of syncope (4)
Carotid sinus
Anaemia
Micturition
Exertion
Ix recurrent syncope (5)
Bloods - FBC/U+E/glucose Lying/standing BP ECG/24h tape EEG CT head
Advise to pt w/ recurrent syncope pre-Ix
NO DRIVING until cause is found
Classic features of a generalised seizure (4)
Aura
LOC
Tonic/Clonic
Post ictal phase (drowsiness)
Def focal seizure
Originating from within the networks of 1 hemisphere
Do you lose consciousness in a simple focal seizure?
No
Types of generalised seizures (6)
Abscence TC Clonic Tonic Myoclonic Atonic
Temporal seizure classic Sx
LIp smacking/chewing
Frontal seizure classic Sx
MOtor movements
Speech
Parietal seizure classic Sx
Sensory changes
Occipital seizure classic changes
Vision changes
What is Todds paresis?
Temporary paralysis of affected limb, post focal seizure
Causes of seizures (7)
Idiopathic mostly Cerebrovascular Head injury CNS infection SOL Neurodegen disease Metabolic - GI/Na/K
Anti-epileptics - 1st line for generalised
Na valporate
Anti-epileptics - 2nd line for generalised
Lamotrigine
Anti-epileptics - 1st line for absence seizures
Ethosuximide
Anti-epileptics - 1st line for focal seizures (2)
Carbamazepine
Lamotrigine
Mode of action - Na valporate
Potentiates GABA
Blocks NA channels
SE Na Valporate (5)
Rash Sedation Weight gain Hair loss Tremor
Who cannot take Na Valporate (3)
Pregnant F
Thrombocytopenia
Liver damage
Mode of action - Lamotrigine
Blocks Na channel
What is there a risk of when taking Lamotrigine?
BM toxicity
Mode of action carbamazepine
Na channel blocker
SE carbamazepine (4)
Rash
Dizzy
Double vision
AGRANULOCYTOSIS
drug interactions carbamazepine
P450 pathway
Inducer
SE Phenytoin (2)
Gum hypertrophy
Nystagmus
Why must phenytoin be monitored?
Zero order kinetics :/
Which medication must be prescribed in caution w/ phenytoin
COC
can lead to failure of COC as is enzyme inducer
Driving rules (CAR) - epileptic
Can’t drive
After 1 y can reapply for licence
This is 10 years for a lorry driver
Driving rules (CAR) - 1st unprovoked seizure
No driving for 6 months at least