Seizures

Question 1

When is it considered a seizure disorder?

Answer 1

When the underlying cause cannot be determined

Question 2

Without clear cause

Answer 2

Idiopathic

Question 3

Common causes during first 6 months of life

Answer 3

Birth injury, congenital birth defects involving CNS, infections

Question 4

Common causes from ages 2-20

Answer 4

Trauma, genetic factors

Question 5

Common causes from ages 20-30

Answer 5

Structural lesions

Question 6

Common causes for ages > 50

Answer 6

Stroke, metastatic brain tumors

Question 7

Muscle stiffening

Answer 7

Tonic

Question 8

Rhythmical jerking

Answer 8

Clonic

Question 9

Patient is often aware and conscious during this type of seizure

Answer 9

Focal

Question 10

Hours to days before seizure, sensory/behavior changes

Answer 10

Prodromal

Question 11

Something that occurs each time, beginning of seizure

Answer 11

Aural

Question 12

Actual seizure activity

Answer 12

Ictal

Question 13

Recovery phase after seizure

Answer 13

Post-ictal

Question 14

Common sx during post-ictal phase

Answer 14

Tired, muscle soreness, no memory of seizure

Question 15

Constant seizure, OR seizures occur in rapid succession

Answer 15

Status epilepticus

Question 16

If seizures are greater than _____ minutes, they are less likely to stop

Answer 16

5

Question 17

Most common seizure med

Answer 17

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Question 18

True or false - seizure drug therapy is often taken for life

Answer 18

True

Question 19

First two things to do when patient is having a seizure

Answer 19

Ensure airway, begin timing seizure

Question 20

Should you ever suction inside the patient’s mouth?

Answer 20

NO