Neurology Flashcards
When do infantile spasms occur?
< 1 y.o.
Peak: 4-6 mo.
NOT newborn
What is the EEG pattern for infantile spasm
Hypsarrhythmia
- high amp
- multiple spike
- chaotic
How do you treat infantile spasm
Vigabatrin (AE: Retinal toxicity)
OR
ACTH (irritable, adrenal suppression)
What is the AE you worry about with vigabatrin?
Retinal toxicity
EEG appears chaotic. High amplitude background with multifocal spikes. Likely Dx?
Infantile Spasm
Hypsarrhythmia
List two conditions associated with infantile spasm?
TS
Down Syndrome
List 3 things on ddx for infantile spasm:
- Benign Myoclonus of infancy (<6 mo; normal EEG)
- Sandifer syndrome (don’t see cluster but AbN movement due to GERD)
- Breath Holding Spells (6-6 yo; ~1min. LOC; cyanotic or pallid; link with Fe deficiency; 100% resolve by 8 y.o.)
- Infantile Masturbation (F >M, pelvic rocking, adduct leg, pelvic pressure, autonomic like flush or sweat, distractible)
What is West Syndrome?
Infantile Spasm + Hypsaarhythmia + Developmental Regression
What is the definition of epilepsy?
min. 2 unprovoked seizures
What % of pop’n have epilepsy?
1%
if first unprovoked seizure- what do you do?
Sleep deprived EEG
MRI if focal symptom or P/E finding.
Describe childhood absence epilepsy?
6-7 y.o. absence +++/d otherwise N Tx: ethosuximide, VPA, lamotrigine 70% outgrow as teens
Preschool. Atypical absence + atonic + myoclonus. Behavioural issue when older. Often pmhx (+) neurocutaneous or brain injury.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
Behav or IQ issue when older.
EEG: 1.5-2Hz SLOW spike-wave
Steroids
VPA etc.
Seizures + lang loss in 3-8 y.o. Epileptic Dx?
Landau-Kleffner Syndrome
- acquired epileptic aphasia
- partial and GTC
- lang loss
Tx: VPA (or Ethosuximide)
+ ** Steroids (for lang)
Preteen. Myoclonic jerk in morning with no LOC. Toothbrush jerk away. FHX absence sz.
Juvenile Mycolonic Epilepsy
EEG: generalized polyspike
Tx: VPA
Lamotrigine
10 y.o. Falling asleep and then child run in with focal facial mvmt x 1-2 minute. Drooling. One per night. Normal LOC.
Benign Rolandic Epilepsy
No meds needed (Keppra if frequent, prolonged, or secondary gran mal associated)
Resolve by puberty
What is the EEG finding in benign rolandic epilepsy?
Centro Temporal Spikes
List two meds for seizures in kids < 2 y.o.
Phenobarb
AE: sedation, reversible acquisition of milestones
Levetiracetam (keppra; fatigue, dizzy, SJS/TEN)
** except spasm= vigabatrin (retinal toxicity) or ACTH
List two meds for seizures in kids > 2 y.o.
Levetiracetam (keppra)
Valproate (hair thinning, wt gain, bone health, tremor, hepatitis, teratogen
** except Lennox-Gastaut (preschool absence, myotonic, clonic)= steroids +
** except Landau-Kleffner (3-8 y.o. sz + lang loss)= steroids +
** except Childhood Absence Syn (peak 6-7)= Ethosuximide.
** except Benign Rolandic Epilepsy at night w/ face no meds. If need Keppra
T or F: you can use carbamazepine for absence or myoclonic sz
False
T or F: safe to give phenytoin IM
False.
- very toxic and cause necrosis
** FOSphenytoin can be given IM
T or F: you SHOULD NOT give VPA in with potential metabolic dx
TRUE
Generalized 3 Hz spike and wave d/c in EEG. Dx?
Childhood Absence Epilepsy
T or F: you generally outgrow childhood absence seizures by adolescence.
True