Pathophys and Management of Seizures Flashcards
To have epilepsy, you need to have seizures that are at least ___ apart
greater than 24 hours
2 most common types of seizures
Absence
Tonic clonic
Tonic vs clonic
Tonic is the stiffening and rigidity
Clonic is the jerking of limbs
3 types of partial seizures
Simple (focal, focal aware)
Complex (focal dyscognitive, focal impaired awareness)
Secondary generalized
Difference between simple and complex seizures
Simple do not lose awareness
Complex there is a loss/alteration of awareness
Complex partial seizures
Also called focal dyscognitive or focal impaired awareness
Impaired consciousness
Clinical manifestations vary with site of origin and degree of spread (presence and nature of aura, automatisms, other motor activity)
Typically last 1-2 mins
Secondarily generalized seizures
Begins focally, with or without focal neurological symptoms
Variable symmetry, intensity, and duration of tonic and clonic phases
1-2 mins
Postictal confusion, somnolence, with/without transient focal deficits
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
Epilepsy syndrome (genetic component)
Serious neurological syndrome and epilepsy is just one part
Developmental delay (intellect and motor function impaired)
Can get any time of seizure
Really hard to treat
Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy of Janz
Epilepsy syndrome (genetic component)
Cognitively intact
Seizures start in teen years
Have myoclonic seizures (no LOC) and often have generalized tonic seizures
Only occurs in the first couple hours after waking up
Responds well to treatment
NDMA receptors
Glutamate receptors
Gated Ca chappens
Activation causes depolarization
Syncope definition
Temporary loss of consciousness, caused by a fall in blood pressure
Secondary to a decrease in blood flow to the entire brain
Characterized by: fast onset, short duration, spontaneous recovery
3 general causes of syncope
Vasovagal syncope (reflex) Orthostatic hypotension Cardiac causes
2 commonly used anti seizure meds
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Dilantin
