Seizures Flashcards
What are the two classes of seizures
general, focal
define prodromal
sensations/behavior changes that precede a seizure by hours/days
define aural
warning of impending seizures (visual/odor disturbances)
What are the types of generalized seizures
tonic-clonic, atypical absence, myoclonic, atonic, tonic, clonic
tonic
loses consciousness but eyes open
Define generalized seizure
Involves both sides of the brain. Most people lose consciousness
clonic
uncontrolled shaking
post-ictal phase
fish flop post seizure
myoclonic
muscles in limbs/face jerk
atonic
falls asleep
atypical absence
Staring spell. May have some tics (lip jerking, fingering clothes), somewhat responsive, lasts 10-30 sec
psychomotor
spinning
tonic-clonic
loss of consciousness, falling to ground, body stiffens (tonic, lasts 10-20 sec) then jerking (clonic, lasts 30-40 sec)
focal seizure
begins in 1 hemisphere of brain/specific region of cortex
manifestations based of area of brain involved
can spread to other side of brain and become generalized
in simple focal seizures the person may experience extreme emotions (anger, sadness) and/or experience sensations that aren’t there (taste, smell, hearing)
siatus epiliepticus
constant seizure activity when seizures occur in rapid succession without return to consciousness between seizures
ANY SEIZURE LASTING MORE THAN 5 MIN
3 diagnostic studies used to Dx epilepsy
accurate, comprehensive PMH r/t seizures
Electroencephalography (EEG)
CBC, serum chemistries, liver and kidney function, UA to rule out metabolic disorders
CT/MRI in new-onset seizure to rule out structural lesion
T/F: There’s a cure for seizures
F, only drug therapy aimed at preventing seizures
Describe the mechanism of action
decreases the rate at which Na enters the cell
inhibit calcium flow into cell
increase the effect of inhibitrory
what are the primary drugs used to treat seizures
dilantin, tegretol, phenobarbital, depakote
LOOK UP MEDS INFO, REFERENCE POWERPOINT FOR NAMES*
How do you treat status epilepticus
Rapid-acting IV meds (benzodiazepines aka lorazepam (ativan) or diazepam (valium)
Then IV long acting drug such as phenytoin/phenobarbital (barbiturate)
How can surgery help epilepsy
Remove lobe of epileptic focus to prevent spread
remove one lobe (usually temporal) or cortex, or separation of two hemispheres (corpus callosotomy)
What diet can help
keto, protien also restricted
what position do you put your pt in when having a seizure
lateral recumbent
When should a family member call 911?
if the seizure is prolonged, the pt has a second seizure, first-time seizure,
