Seizures

Question 1

What is a Focal (Simple Partial) Seizure?

Answer 1

Pt awake + aware but complains of strange sensation. Minor limb twitching may occur

Question 2

What is a Focal (Complex Partial) Seizure?

Answer 2

Pt lose awareness. Random body movements eg twitching and verbal noises

Question 3

eizure?

What is an Abscences Seizure?

Answer 3

Pt loses awareness, may stare blankly into space. Unnatural eye movement (nystagmus) with occasional limb jerking

Question 4

What is a Myoclonic Seizure?

Answer 4

Sudden full body twitch often lasting only seconds

Question 5

What is a the Atonic part of a Seizure?

Answer 5

Pt’s muscles suddenly relax, usually causing them to fall to the ground

Question 6

What is a Tonic Clonic Seizure?

Answer 6

All muscles become stiff (tonic) and begin to jerk (clonic). This usually lasts up to 5 minutes. Pt is unconscious throughout

Question 7

When and Why can a Seizure be Life Threatening?

Answer 7

If the seizure lasts over 5 minutes, the pt will have decreased and irregular respiratory rate, along with the ability to maintain their airway which can be life threatening

Question 8

What to do After Seizure?

Answer 8

• Obtain GCS though may vary due to post-ictal state
• This state can last for minutes to hours requiring; close monitoring, airway control, rapid hospital transfer IF they continue to seize

Question 9

The 8 Causes of Seizures

Answer 9

1. Head Injury/\intercranial Haemorrhage
2. Hypoglycaemia
3. Alcohol withdrawal
4. Epilepsy
5. Pyrexia/Hyperthermia - common in children
6. Drug use/overdose
7. Cardiac arrythmias + Hypotension - disrupt cerebral perfusion. Look for history of chest pain, dizziness, palpitations and syncope. (do 12 lead)
8. Pseudo Seizure - happens in busy areas