Posttraumatic seizures and epilepsy

Question 1

most common type of seizure seen in post-traumatic seizures

Answer 1

simple partial seizures

Question 2

how long should medications be given after TBI for prophylaxis of PTS?

Answer 2

only during the first week post-injury

Question 3

which anticonvulsant can cause fulminant hepatitis

Answer 3

valproic acid

Question 4

what should you expect if patient has seizures within 24 hours of injury

Answer 4

intracerebral hemorrhage

Question 5

which 2 anticonvulsants are used to stabilize agitation and psychotic behavior?

Answer 5

carbamazepine and valproic acid

Question 6

3 First line medications used for treatment of PTS

Answer 6

Carbamazepine, Valproic Acid and Levetiracetam

Question 7

what is the difference between simple and complex partial seizures

Answer 7

simple = no loss of consciousness
complex = loss of consciousness

Question 8

it is reasonable to stop antiepileptic drugs after how long of a seizure free period?

Answer 8

2 years

Question 9

which anticonvulsant can cause gingival hyperplasia

Answer 9

phenytoin

Question 10

at what point do you start therapeutic anticonvulsant medications

Answer 10

once late seizures occur

Question 11

what are the 2 types of partial seizures

Answer 11

simple partial and complex partial

Question 12

What lab can be ordered to confirm true seizure activity

Answer 12

prolactin - increased prolactin level confirms seizure activity

Question 13

immediate vs early vs late post-traumatic seizures

Answer 13

immediate = < 24h after injury
early = <1 week after injury
late = >1 week after injury

Question 14

what are some 6 risk factors for post-traumatic seizures?

Answer 14

1. Bilateral parietal contusions
2. Penetrating injury
3. Intracranial hematoma
4. Depressed skull fracture
5. Early seizure
6. Prolonged coma

Question 15

What 2 medications are used for prophylaxis of PTS after TBI?

Answer 15

phenytoin and valproic acid

Question 16

which anticonvulsant can cause agranulocytosis

Answer 16

carbamazepine

Question 17

what is the highest risk factor for late post-traumatic seizures?

Answer 17

bilateral parietal contusion

Question 18

how long after injury do most post-traumatic seizures occur?

Answer 18

1-3 months after injury

Question 19

which 2 anticonvulsants are used to treat neuralgia

Answer 19

carbamazepine and phenytoin

Question 20

which anticonvulsant can cause hemorrhage in newborns whose mothers took this drug

Answer 20

phenobarbital

Question 21

why is phenobarbital not commonly used as first line agent for treatment of PTS

Answer 21

cognitive impairment