Seizures Flashcards
What are generalized seizures?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
Involve the whole brain
What is a tonic-clonic reaction / seizure?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
BOTH sides of the body react
What are partial seizures?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
begin in ONE part of the brain
What are simple partial seizures?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
consciousness remains intact
What are complex partial seizures?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
impairment of consciousness
What is the difference in generalized & focal siezures?
Generalized occur throughout the WHOLE brain
Focal seizures begin in ONE part of the brain
What is Aura?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
portion of seizure that occurs BEFORE consciousness is lost
May be a:
* taste
* feeling
* sensation
* sound
What is the ictal phase of a seizure?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
ACTUAL seizure activity
What is the post-ictal phase of a seizure?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
Time AFTER a seizure
What is the intraictal phase of a seizure?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
Time BETWEEN seizures
What is epilepsy?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
a group of syndromes characterized by unprovoked, reoccuring seizures
What are potential complications associated with seizures?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
Injury from falls, bumps, or self-inflicted bites
Aspiration Pneumonia
* put patient on their side, use suction, & elevate HOB
Status Epilepticus (uncontrolled seizures)
What is Status Epilepticus?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
Continuous seizure or a series of seizures from which a patient never recovers consciousness in between attacks
What can Status Epilepticus lead to?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
↓ energy, ↑ O2 consumption, & ↑ metabolic demands leads to cerebral anoxia & edema
What medications are used to stop Status Epilepticus?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
Ativan & Valium
What medications are used to maintain a seizure free state in Status Epilepticus?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
Phenytoin & Phenobarbital
Status Epilepticus
1.) What can it cause?
2.) What is the #1 priority?
3.) What medications are used to stop the seizures?
4.) What medications are used to maintain a seizure-free state?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
1.) Can cause Cerebral Anoxia & Edema
* due to decreased energy, increased O2 consumption, & increased metabolic demands
2.) #1 priority = STOP SEIZURE
3.) Ativan (lorazepam) & Valium (diazepam) used to stop seizures
* IV push is best
4.) Phenytoin & Phenobarbital used to maintain seizure-free state
What diagnostics & assessments are used for seizures?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
EEGs
Labs
* check drug levels, Na+, electrolytes, glucose, & ABGs
CT
MRIs
Nursing Interventions for Seizures
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
- ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation)
- Safe environment
- Observe & record seizure activity & length
- Patent IV
What are the first line medications used in the treatment of seizures?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
Dilantin
* partial & general seizures
Depakote
* partial seizures
Tegretol
* partial & general seizures
Medical Management of Seizures
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
- Ketogenic Diet (high fat & low carb)
- Vagus nerve stimulator
What is primary headache?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
Headache has no known cause
- includes migraine, tension headache, & cluster headache
What is secondary headache?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
HAS a known cause
- cause may be brain tumor or aneurysm
What is the difference in primary & secondary headaches?
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
Primary = NO known cause
Secondary = KNOWN cause
When doing an assessment on patients with headaches, it’s important to ask the patient about the history & use of which medications? & substances
KNOW THIS (IN RED)!!!
- Nitrates
- EtOH use
- Vasodilators
- Histamines
