Seizure Flashcards
clinical features of phenytoin toxicity
hypertrichosis, gingival hyperplasia folic acid deficiency peripheral neuropathy osteomalacia, vitamin D deficiency drug induced lupus anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome
dose dependent side effects of phenytoin
rash, horizontal nystagmus, ataxia slurred speech lethargy and confusion coma can also develop a DRESS like syndrome
IV infusion side effects of phenytoin
hypotension bradyarrhythmias and possible asystole
pt with history of seizure and on phenytoin starts to have horizontal nystagmus and gaint unsteadiness. Also has slurred speech and lethargy or coma.
Phenytoin toxicity can be result of drug drug interactions - like omeprazole which inhibits cytochrome P450 and increases phenytoin levels
do all PPI increase phenytoin levels?
no, just omeprazole
what can also lead to phenytoin toxicity in pts who are malnourished
hypoalbuminemia - can have higher free phenytoin levels since this drug is protein bound. Can have toxicity even if phenytoin is normal levels.
how to treat phenytoin toxicity?
manage with supportive care stop drug
complex partial seizure characteristics
localized semipurposeful movements and generally have an aura (sensory symptoms prior)
simple seizure vs complex partial seizure
simple - pt has awareness and can see jerking muscle rigidity, unusual sensations (affecting smell, vision, hearing, taste or touch) and can have memory or emotional
disturbance complex partial - pt loses awareness and see lip smacking, chewing, fidgeting and walking,
myotonic seizure is defined by
sporatic (isolated) jerking movements, can have sporatic jerks on both sides of body and described as electrical shocks.
absence seizure
brief loss of consciousness
clonic seizure
repetitive jerking movements see repetitive rhythmic jerks that involve both sides of body at the same time
tonic seizure
muscle stiffness rigidity- see only muscles stiffning
atonic seizure
loss of muscle stone
Grand Mal seizure or generalized seizure
called tonic (stiffening)-clonic (jerking) seizure see unconsciousness, convulsions, muscle rigidity
Tonic phase - see eyes are wide open while body stiffens and there is a single loud groan or ictal cry (not actual crying or sobbing)
clonic phase - rhythmic jerking occurs synchronously in all limbs initially at the high frequency with eventual slowing and cessation.
partial seizures are divided into
simple, complex and focal seizure (those that evolve into secondary generalized seizure)
simple partial seizure
broken down into 4 different categories based on symptom: motor, autonomic, sensory or psychological
Complex partial seizure
loss of consciousness and can have automatisms of involuntary but coordinated movements that are purposeless and repetitive.
focal seizure
starts a partial seizure and then becomes a generalized seizure or a Grand Mal seizure.
management of first unprovoked seizure?
need rule out structural brain abnormality
may get CT head for someone who has emergent pathology to exclude hemorrhage, but MRI is required in most pts.
get brain MRI. MRI is more sensitive than CT in identifying lesions such as cortical dysplasias and infarcts and tumors, try to focus on temporal lobe epilepsy (most common form of epilepsy in adults)
Out patinet EEG in pts who have first seizure. highest yield is in 1st 24 hrs of seizure.
prognosis after single seizure and see abnormal MRI and EEG
high risk for recurrent seizures and so they benefit from antiepileptic drugs.
triggers for seizures
lack of sleep, emotional distress, loud music and flashing lights.
physical exam findings with seizures
post ictal phase with confusion and disorientation and prodromal aura and head deviation and unusual body posturing and tongue laceration.
what is valproic acid induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy?
this is from doubling of valproic acid increasing ammonia levels valproic acid can stop enzymes in the urea cycle and cause elevated serum ammonia
what are symptoms of valproic acid induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy?
see confusion. lethargy, coma and rarely death after recent increase in valproic acid dose
all pts on valproic acid should have get this checked
serum ammonia and valproic acid levels checked as part of work up
valproic acid levels do not
Valproic acid levels do not always correlate to their degree of encephalopathy and can be normal at times.
what happens to the liver enzymes in pts who have valproic acid induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy
they can be normal