s e i z u r e s Flashcards
What is a seizure?
abnormal electrical activity at one or more groups of neurons in the brain
periods of sustained hyperactivity in the brain
How do seizures present in patients?
temporary alteration in behaviour or conciousness
___ & ____ enhances the ability of neurons to depolarize and emit an electrical signal charge which leads to a seizure!
Na (sodium)
K (potassium)
What are the two types of seizures categorized into?
generalized and partial
What are absent seizures?
Occur most often in children 4-12
Lapse of consciousness
No loss of posture
No motor activity
Maybe some isolated clonic activity
Short duration
Return to normal
What is a grand mal tonic clonic seizure?
Tonic Phase
Short duration
Tongue biting
Bladder or bowel incontinence
Clonic Phase
Rigidity → relaxation
convulsions
1-3 minutes
Massive Automic Nervous System discharge → hyperventilation, salivation, tachycardia
What is a postictal phase?
Drowsiness or unconsciousness
Lasts minutes to hours
Followed by confusion and fatigue
Transient neurological deficits
Status epilepticus, what is it?
Prolonged seizure activity
Reoccurring seizures before consciousness is regained
What are partial seizures classified as?
simple or complex
Simple partial seizures can be classified as in the motor or sensory cortex, what is the difference??
Motor seizures
——clonic activity to one specific body part
Sensory seizures
——tingling, numbness, visual, auditory, auditory or taste symptoms
What is a Jacksonian seizure?
Jacksonian seizure = seizure activity involving a brief alteration in movement, sensation or nerve function
- generally no LOC
What is a complex partial seizure?
arise from focal seizures in the temporal lobe
Manifest as changes in behaviour
Classic presentation:
—–Preceded by an aura
—–Abnormal repetitive motor behaviour(automatisms)
—–Period of amnesia
—–Brief duration with return to normal
What is important upon assessment of the seizure pt?
HISTORY!- frequency, medication
What is important upon assessment of the seizure pt?
HISTORY!- frequency, medication
Other assessment questions for seizure patients:
Determined by seizure status on arrival
History
Frequency of seizures, medications
Description of seizure
Onset, duration, pattern, events prior
Head trauma, fever, headache
Past significant medical history
Diabetes, heart disease, stroke, BS
