seizure Flashcards
seizures definition
Unpredictable event involving abnormal activity of the brain cells that often times disturbs consciousness and motor and sensory function.
Uncontrolled electrical discharge of neurons in the brain that interrupts normal function.
Often is a symptom of an underlying condition. May occur spontaneously without a cause or idiopathically as in epilepsy.
idiopathic seizures
¾ can’t find the cause. May have something to do with heredity, environment, and acquired influences. Generally diagnosed before age of 20 yrs.
causes of seizures
idopathic
Withdrawal or overdose of certain drugs.
Hypoxia, poisoning, metabolic disease.
Over 50 yrs old usually cerebrovascular lesion or brain tumor.
Birth injury, congenital defects, trauma.
Noncompliance with anticonvulsant drugs.
pathophysiology of seizures
Seizures are associated with hyperactive neurons. May remain localized as in partial seizures or spread throughout the entire cerebral cortex causing generalized seizures.
Oxygen and nutritive stores are used up at an incredible rate. Body attempts to compensate with an increase in cerebral blood flow.
With serial seizures as in status epilepticus, low glucose levels and low oxygen levels can occur. This can lead to permanent damage to brain cells.
generalized seizures
initial onset is in both hemispheres of the brain. Usually involves a loss of consciousness and bilateral motor activity.
simple partial seizure
begins in focal area of the brain. Symptoms are appropriate to a dysfunction of that area. No loss of consciousness. May be sensory, motor, or automatic type symptoms.
complex partial seizure
Begins in a focal area of the brain but spreads to both hemispheres of the brain. Impairs consciousness.
phases of major tonic-clonic seizure “grand mall”
preictal/aura phase
tonic phase
clonic phase
postictal phase
preictal/ aura phase of tonic clonic seizure
time of uneasiness. Visual or auditory sensations may be felt by the patient. May occur several hours before actual seizure.
tonic phase of tonic clonic seizure
period of loss of consciousness, excessive muscle contraction with initial crying out as air is forced out of lungs via vocal cords. Jaws clamp shut with possible damage to tongue. Apnea for approximately 15 seconds to 1 minute causes cyanosis. Pupils dilate and do not react. Heart rate decreases and there is incontinence of bowel and bladder.
clonic phase of tonic clonic seizure
period of more violent, jerking movement accompanied by forceful rapid and deep respirations. See powerful rhythmic muscle contractions with facial grimacing. There is profuse sweating and salivation. Eyes roll back and heart rate increases. Respirations are loud and irregular. May last up to 5 minutes with movement slowing until all activity stops.
postictal phase of tonic clonic seizure
period of recovery in which muscles are flaccid . Consciousness and normal pupil size returns. Patient is exhausted and may be confused, lethargic and complain of a headache. May sleep for hours. Pupil reaction normal.
absence seizure “petit mall”
May be non-organic brain damage present.
Must be differentiated from day dreaming. May go blank while speaking then continue where they left off.
Sudden onset. May see twitching or rolling of the eyes with brief loss of consciousness.
Can be precipitated by hyperventilation and flashing lights.
atypical absence spell
staring spell
myoclonic seizure
Sudden brief jerking of a muscle group that lasts a few seconds.
Most common in children & elderly. Can be triggered by fatigue.
