Seizures Flashcards
What is a seizure?
A paroxysmal event from abnormal, excessive hypersynchronous discharges from within the central nervous system.
The term originates from the Latin sacire, meaning ‘to take possession of’.
How is epilepsy defined?
An intermittent derangement of the nervous system due to excessive and disorderly discharge of cerebral nervous tissue on muscles.
What are the key statistics about epilepsy in the UK?
Approximately 87 people are diagnosed with epilepsy daily, with over 500,000 affected, equating to about 1 in every 100 people.
How many people globally have epilepsy?
Around 60 million people.
What are focal seizures?
Seizures that start in one area of the brain.
Types include: altered awareness, dyscognitive, sensory, motor, autonomic, and psychic.
What are generalized seizures?
Seizures that involve both hemispheres of the brain.
Types include: myoclonic (sudden muscle contractions), atonic (sudden loss of muscle tone), and tonic (muscle stiffness).
What is the prodromal phase of a seizure?
Early symptoms that precede the seizure.
What is an aura in relation to seizures?
A warning sign that may include unusual smells, visual disturbances, or auditory hallucinations.
What is the ictal phase of a seizure?
The period during the seizure characterized by intense electrical activity and physical symptoms.
What is the post-ictal phase of a seizure?
The recovery period after a seizure, where the patient returns to their baseline state.
What are common causes of seizures?
Epilepsy, alcohol withdrawal, electrolyte imbalances, and infections.
Infections include conditions like meningitis and encephalitis.
What is status epilepticus?
A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or multiple seizures without recovery in between.
