Seizures

Question 1

outline the vasovagal syncope

Answer 1

1) usually they know they’re going to fall , have a prodrome

2) gradual onset

Question 2

Outline cardiac syncope

Answer 2

1- due to arrthymias
2- structural defects
3- great vessel defects
- usually the patient doesn’t know theyre going to fall , so sudden drop with no pro drome

Question 3

outline prolonged QT syndrome

Answer 3

Case of young female swimmer = collapsed whilst swimming !
-Patients with a prolonged QT interval are at increased risk of ventricular fibrillation, resulting in cardiac arrest
-Long QT-syndrome is common cause of sudden cardiac death in young people
- anything over 480 ms is pathological
(Long QT-syndrome an umbrella term for a range of defects that affect the repolarisation of the heart resulting in a QT interval that is elevated)

Question 4

Outline sleep paralysis

Answer 4

• associated hallucinations often terrifying
• Sensed presence
• pressure on chest or suffocation
• Floating or flying out of body experience

Question 5

Outline sleep apnea

Answer 5

• excessive micro sleeps
• waking up gasping , choking
• poor memory & concentration
• Headaches , nocturia
• increased risks of HT, stroke and other CV diseases

Question 6

Outline Narcolepsy

Answer 6

overwhelming sleepiness

• attacks of sleep
• hard to stay awake

Question 7

Outline Klein-Levin syndrome

Answer 7

• Episode onset is often abrupt, and may be associated with flu-like symptoms.
• Excessive food intake, irritability, childishness, disorientation, hallucinations, and an abnormally uninhibited sex drive may be observed during episodes.
• sleeping beauty syndrome
• sleep for more than 16hrs/day
• symptoms spontaneously resolve

Question 8

Outline epileptic seizure

Answer 8

• sudden seizure
• tongue biting
• cynanosis
• Temporary confusion.
• A staring spell.
• Stiff muscles.
• Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs.
• Loss of consciousness or awareness.
• Psychological symptoms such as fear, anxiety or deja vu.

Question 9

Whats the difference between an epileptic seizure and a non epileptic one ?

Answer 9

A seizure is a single occurrence, whereas epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by two or more unprovoked seizures.

Epileptic seizures are less aggressive, involve head turning , less likely to involve back arching .

Question 10

what’s the difference between syncope and a seizure ?

2

Answer 10

• Syncope is an acute, transient loss of consciousness with the lot of postural tone. It occurs due to reduced cerebral blood flow.
• Seizures arise from a sudden synchronous discharge of electrical activity from neurons in the brain.
• Seizures can present with Post-ictal confusion and drowsiness. May have Todd’s palsy - focal weakness after seizure