Seizure Disorders Flashcards
List risk factors for epilepsy
Birth and abnormal development Past seizures Head injury (LOC) Family history Drugs Alcohol
List drugs that are common precipitants of epilepsy
Antibiotics Tramadol Anti-emetics Opioids Aminophylline
What is the mandatory first investigation in all patients presenting with a seizure?
ECG
Which seizure patients usually qualify for MRI/CT?
Intracranial pathology
Trauma
Focal signs
Low GCS
What is the rule regarding driving after your first seizure?
Can’t drive until seizure-free for:
car: 6 months
hgv: 5 years
What is the rule regarding driving with epilepsy?
Can’t drive until seizure-free for:
car: 1 year
hgv: 10 years
Define “seizure”
Abnormal discharge of electrical activity in the brain
Define “epilepsy”
A tendency for repeat epileptic seizures
Define “epileptic seizure”
Abnormal synchronisation of neural activity, usually excitatory, causing interruption of brain activity
What are the 2 classifications of epileptic seizure?
Focal
Generalised
What is the difference between focal and generalised epileptic seizure?
Focal: part of brain structurally abnormal causing focal symptoms
Generalised: neural cortical pathways conduct seizure to different brain areas
Which is more common in children and young people - focal or generalised epileptic seizures?
Generalised epileptic seizures
What is the treatment of choice for focal seizures?
Carbamazepine
Lamotrigine/levetiracetam are alternatives
What is the treatment of choice for generalised seizures?
Sodium valproate
Lamotrigine/ethuxosam are alternatives
Which patient group in particular should not be given sodium valproate and why?
Young girls
Teratogenic