Pathophysiology of Epilepsy Flashcards

1
Q

Hyperexcitability of an epileptic brain may be the result of what two factors?

A

Continuous depolarization or impaired repolarization

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the most common cause of monogenic epilepsies?

A

Gene mutation involving ion channels

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the difference between the tonic and clonic phases of a seizure?

A

In the tonic phase, muscles become stiff. In the clonic phase, muscles relax and become jerky and twitch

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the stages of epileptogenesis?

A

Brain injury/trigger –> latency period –> spontaneous seizures (epilepsy)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is an absence generalized seizure?

A

A generalized seizure without movement

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

How do focal and generalized seizures differ?

A

Focal seizures occur in one specific area of the brain. Generalized seizures maybe begin as focal seizures, but spread to wider areas.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Generalized onset seizures most commonly involve what group of neurons?

A

Neurons in thalmocortical circuits

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Tumors and abnormal neuronal organization are examples of what seizure etiology?

A

Structural etiology

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is primarily responsible for the spreading of a seizure in an epileptic brain?

A

Loss of inhibition by interneurons

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is an example of acquired structural etiology seizures?

A

Traumatic brain injury, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How is epilepsy diagnosed?

A

Epilepsy is diagnosed based on a tendency for recurrent seizures. A patient must have two spontaneous seizures separated by 24+ hours

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly