Pediatrics Flashcards
What is the definition of epilepsy?
The occurrence of at least 2 unprovoked seizures (regardless of the type)
What is the definition of seizure?
The clinical manifestation of abnormal hypersynchronous d/c of the cortical neurons
What are the two general classifications of seizures?
Generalized
Partial
What are the 6 types of generalized seizures?
- Absence
- Myoclonic
- Atonic
- Tonic
- Clonic
- Tonic-clonic
What are absence seizures?
Staring episodes with cessation of activity
What are myoclonic seizures?
Brief jerking muscle movements
What are atonic seizures?
Loss of tone for a few seconds (could be whole body or only partial)
What are clonic seizures?
Regularly repeated muscle jerks
What is the difference between a simple and a complex partial seizure?
No alteration of consciousness with simple
What are the five characteristics used to define epilepsy syndromes?
- Seizure type
- Age of onset
- Course
- EEG abnormalities
- Drug of choice
What are the characteristics of childhood absence epilepsy?
Brief staring spells with impairment of awareness and cessation of activity without loss of tone
What is the duration of childhood absence seizures?
Usually less than 20 seconds
What is the frequency of absence seizures?
Multiple times/day
What usually provokes absence seizures?
Hyperventilation
Is there a postictal state with absence seizures?
No
Is there a loss of muscle tone with absence seizures?
No
What age do absence seizures begin?
School aged (4-14 years)
What is the prognosis of absence seizures?
Usually self limited–resolve by age 18 years
What is the most important thing to ask in the history of seizures?
Any h/o developmental abnormalities
What are the EEG findings of absence seizures?
3 Hz spike and slow wave discharges
What is the treatment for absence seizures (3)? Which is the first choice?
- Ethosuximide
- Valproic acid
- Lamotrigine
What gender is usually affected with absence seizures?
Females
Are absence seizures generalized or partial?
Generalized
What is benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (rolandic epilepsy)?
Infrequent, partial seizures that manifest with tingling in the mouth, on the face, drooling, dysphagia, speech arrest
How common are generalized tonic-clonic seizures with benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes?
Rare
When do seizures occur with benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes?
During sleep or upon waking
What is the prognosis for benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes?
Usually resolve with puberty, and has no effect on development
What are the imaging findings of benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes?
Normal
What are the drugs of choice to treat benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (2)?
Carbamazepine
Oxcarbazepine
What is the MOA of carbamazepine?
Na channel blocker and GABA receptor agonist
What are the EEG findings of benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes?
Centrotemporal spikes