Neurologic Conditions: Seizures/Epilepsy Flashcards
Focal seizures
start on one side of brain and can spread to the other
Generalized seizures
start on both sides of the brain
Unknown seizures
beginning is unknown, occur at night or unwitnessed
Focal aware seizure
no loss of consciousness
Focal seizure with impaired awareness
pt experiences loss of consciousness
Status epilepticus
seizure that lasts more than 5 minutes
if lasts 30min, long term damage can occur and is medical emergency
Status epilepticus txm
0-5min = stabilization phase = time seizure, start ECG, check AED lvls/electrolytes
5-20 min = initial txm phase = IV loraz or IM midaz, rectal Diastat or nasal/buccal midday if cant do IV
20-40 min = 2nd txm phase = give regular AED, IV fosphenytoin, valproic acid, keppra, if lasts longer than no clear txm
Dispensing Diastat
pharmacist has to lock syringes into appropriate dose prior to dispensing
should double check when counseling patient before med leaves pharmacy
Ketogenic for refractory seizures
high fats
normal protein
low carbs
4:1 ratio of fats to combined protein/carbs
Seizures can occur due to….
deficiency of inhibitory NT (GABA)
too much excitatory NT (Glutamate)
Which AEDs inc GABA
Benzo
Valproic Acid
Which AED enhance/potentiate GABA effect
Phenobarbital
Which AED inc GABA and CA channel blocker
Levetiracetam
Which AED is type T Ca channel blocker
Ethosuximide
Which AED are Ca channel blockers
Pregabalin
Gabapentin
Which AED block Na and Ca channels
Oxcarbazepine
Which AED block Na channels
Carbamazepine
Lamotrigine
Phenytoin/Fosphenytoin
Topiramate
Broad spectrum AED
Lamotrigine = Lamictal
Levetiracetam = Keppra
Topiramate = Topamax
Valproic acid
Divalproex = Depakote
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) boxed warnings
serious skin reactions, including SJS/TEN, risk inc if using high starting dose
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) side effects
Alopecia (supplement w/ selenium/zinc)
N/V
Somnolence
rash
tremor
How long after stopping do you have to restart dose titration for Lamotrigine
If stop for > 6 days, have to do initial dose titration
Lamictal starter kits
Orange = standard
Blue = lower dose
Green = higher dose
When to sue which Lamictal start kits
Orange = no interacting meds
Blue = if taking valproic acid, enzyme inhibitor
Green = taking enzyme inducer (carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, ritonavir, rifampin)
Levetiracetam (Keppra) IV:PO ration
1:1
Levetiracetam (Keppra) warnings
psychiatric reactions
somnolence
fatigue
suicidal behavior
anaphylaxis
inc BP
severe skin reactions
Significant drug interactions for Keppra
No significant interactions
Topiramate (Topamax) Contraindications
Trokendi XR only = using alc 6hr before/after dose
Topiramate (Topamax) warnings
metabolic acidosis
reduced perspiration (Oligohidrosis)
kidney stones
angle-closure glaucoma
hyperammonemia
visual problems = reversible
fetal harm
Topiramate (Topamax) side effects
somnolence
memory/concentration/attention difficulty
weight loss
anorexia
Topiramate (Topamax) monitoring
Electrolytes = sodium bicarb
eye exam = intraocular pressure