Seizures Flashcards
1
Q
What are seizures
A
brief episode of abnormal electriacl activity in nerve cells of the brain
- can involve motor, sensory or cognitive manifestations
2
Q
what are convulsions
A
more severe seizure characterized by involuntary spasmodic contractions of muscles
3
Q
what is seizure disease
A
Epilepsy - chronic, recurrent pattern of seizures
4
Q
what is myoclonic
A
Brief shock like jerks of a muscle or group of muscles
5
Q
Seizure patho focus
A
- Group of abnormal neurons that spontaneously fire
- often area is found to have scar tissue
- seizure focus functions autonomously
- emits excessive paroxysmal electrical discharges
- can recruit other neurons to discharge or spread
- spread can be local or global
6
Q
describe etiology of seizures
A
Primary (idiopathic) 50% of cases
Secondary - chemical imbalance (blood sugar, drugs)
Febrile - most common in children
7
Q
What brain issues can cause seizuers
A
TBI
stroke
meningitis
tumors