SEIZURES Flashcards
What is a seizure?
A seizure is a potent surge of electrical activity flowing through all parts of the brain, lasting seconds to minutes.
What causes seizures?
Seizures are caused by malfunctioning brain cells that fire abnormally, high levels of excitatory neurotransmitters, and low levels of inhibitory neurotransmitters.
What are the categories of seizures?
Seizures are categorized as Primary (Idiopathic) or Secondary (Acquired).
What are Primary (Idiopathic) seizures?
Recurrent seizures with no identified cause, typically beginning between ages 20-30, with an inherited lower seizure threshold.
What are Secondary (Acquired) seizures?
Seizures resulting from brain pathology or systemic issues such as trauma, brain tumors, meningitis, fever, CVA, hypoxia, metabolic disorders, drug/alcohol withdrawal, and kidney/liver failure.
What are Partial (Focal) seizures?
Seizures that affect a specific area of the brain.
What are Simple Partial seizures?
Seizures with no loss of consciousness, sensory changes, and may involve small movements, lasting ~30 seconds.
What are Complex Partial seizures?
Seizures with loss of consciousness, featuring automatism and bizarre behavior.
What are Generalized seizures?
Seizures that affect the entire brain, including types such as Tonic-clonic, Absence, Myoclonic, and Atonic.
What occurs during the Tonic Phase of a Tonic-Clonic seizure?
Stiffness and rigidity, with jaws clenched, hands clenched, and eyes open with fixed pupils.
What occurs during the Clonic Phase of a Tonic-Clonic seizure?
Rhythmic jerking, muscle contractions, and relaxation, lasting 2-5 minutes; incontinence may occur.
What is the Postictal Phase of a Tonic-Clonic seizure?
A deep sleep lasting 30 minutes to 4 hours, with no memory of the seizure and confusion.
What are Absence seizures?
Brief loss of consciousness with a vacant expression and rapid blinking.
What are Myoclonic seizures?
Sudden, brief jerking of muscles, which may include a brief loss of consciousness.
What are Atonic seizures?
Loss of muscle tone leading to sudden falls, requiring headgear to prevent injury.
What is Status Epilepticus?
Continuous seizures lasting ≥30 minutes, characterized by loss of consciousness and risk of oxygen and glucose depletion.
What diagnostic tests are used for seizures?
History, physical examination, EEG, CT scan, MRI, and telemetry with videotaping.
What are the goals of pharmacological therapy for seizures?
Control seizures, raise seizure threshold, and maintain therapeutic blood levels.
What are common medications for seizures?
Phenytoin (Dilantin), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Valproate (Dekapen), Clonazepam (Clonopin), Diazepam (Valium), and Luminal (Phenobarbital).
What should patients be taught regarding seizure management?
Avoid triggers, ensure proper medication timing and dosage, use protective headgear, wear a MedicAlert bracelet, avoid dangerous activities, and seek emergency care if a seizure lasts >10 minutes.
What are some surgical interventions for seizures?
Vagal Nerve Stimulation, Temporal Lobectomy, Corpus Callosal Resection, and Cortical Resection.
What should be done during a seizure?
Assess for aura, ensure safety by moving objects away, do not restrain the patient, position them on their side, and administer oxygen if needed.
What should be done after a seizure?
Monitor respiratory status, administer anti-seizure medications, and reorient the patient once consciousness returns.
What documentation is required during a seizure?
Record timing, phases, movements, affected body parts, and autonomic signs.
What documentation is required in the postictal period?
Record level of consciousness, vital signs, and the patient’s condition and behavior after the seizure.
