NM Epilepsy

Question 1

Generalized Seizure

What is it? AKA what?

Answer 1

All areas of brain (cortex) involved

AKA: grand mal

Question 2

Generalized seizures

Dramatic loss of _______, stiffening then ________ of arms/legs, eyes ____, _____ altered, loss of ____ control. Lasts ___ minutes. Post-seizure, consciousness gradually regained, person typically ____, drowsy, ____ after event

Answer 2

Consciousness
Rhythmic movement 
Open
Breathing
Urine
2-5 min
Confused
Amnesiac

Question 3

Absence or petit mal seizures

What is it? How long does it last?

Answer 3

Posture maintained, repetitive blinking, other small mvmts may be present
- Typically brief, lasting few seconds, may occur many times in day

Question 4

Partial or focal seizures

What is it?

Answer 4

Only ONE part of brain is involved, symptoms are focal (specific area of body)

Question 5

What are the 2 types of partial/focal seizures?

Answer 5

Complex partial seizure

Temporal lobe seizure

Question 6

Symptoms of a complex partial seizure?

Answer 6

Person appears dazed/confused, not fully alert or unconscious

Question 7

Symptoms of a temporal lobe seizure?

Episodic changes in ______, complex _____, ______ (ex: lip smacking, chewing, pulling on clothing), altered cognitive and emotional function (ex: sexual arousal, depression, violence); preceded by an ____

Answer 7

Behavior
Hallucinations
Automatisms
Aura

Question 8

Secondarily generalized seizure

Answer 8

Simple or complex partial seizure progressing to generalized seizure

Question 9

Status epilepticus:

Prolonged seizure or series of seizures (lasting > ____), with very little ____ between attacks; may be life threatening; ____ ____ (generalized status epilepticus)

Answer 9

30 minutes
Recovery
Medical emergency

Question 10

Medications?

Answer 10

Antiepileptic meds: Tegretol, Dilantin, phenobarbital

Surgical: lobe resection, hemispherectomy