seizures Flashcards
What are recurrent seizures?
Involuntary muscle contractions caused by abnormal brain discharges.
What percentage of recurrent seizures are idiopathic?
50% are idiopathic.
What are possible causes of recurrent seizures?
Infection, trauma, tumor growth, possibly inherited factors.
What are signs of newborn seizures?
Twitching, lip smacking, cyanosis.
What are common causes of newborn seizures?
Birth trauma/anoxia, metabolic disorders, neonatal infection, acute bilirubin encephalopathy.
Are EEGs usually normal in newborn seizures?
Yes, EEGs tend to be normal.
What are infantile spasms associated with?
Metabolic disease, viral infection.
What can infantile spasms lead to?
Developmental delays.
Are infant/toddler seizures more common in a specific gender?
Yes, more common in male infants.
What should always be considered in infant/toddler seizures?
Drug or poisoning exposure (also in adolescence).
What age group most commonly experiences febrile seizures?
Preschool-aged children; uncommon after 7 years.
What temperature range is typical for febrile seizures?
102–104°F.
What can increase the risk of febrile seizures?
Live virus vaccines (due to robust fever response).
How can febrile seizures be prevented?
Fever management with antipyretics (avoid aspirin).
Why should you avoid rapid physical cooling in febrile seizures?
It can shock the immature nervous system.
Should oral meds be given during a seizure?
No, due to risk of aspiration.
Do febrile seizures cause long-term brain damage?
No, they do not lead to brain damage or long-term sequelae.
What types of seizures are included in complex, partial, focal, or generalized?
Idiopathic but often treatable; vary in severity and consciousness.
What is an absence seizure?
A staring spell lasting 1–5 seconds.
How many children outgrow absence seizures?
About one-third to one-half.
What are the three phases of tonic-clonic seizures?
Aura, tonic, postictal.
Which seizure type is most likely to cause injury?
Tonic-clonic seizures.
What defines status epilepticus?
Seizure lasting longer than 30 minutes or a series without return to normal LOC.
Why is status epilepticus a medical emergency?
It can cause lasting brain damage or death without intervention.
What medication may be used at home or school for status epilepticus?
Diazepam.
What should you do for seizure safety?
Remain calm, move away furniture/sharp objects, turn child to side/abdomen, don’t restrain, don’t put anything in mouth.
Is cyanosis during tonic-clonic seizures normal?
Slight cyanosis may occur but is usually brief and not dangerous.
Should you call a provider after any seizure?
Yes, to arrange necessary follow-up care.
What should you do if a child goes into status epilepticus?
Call 911; they may need oxygen or emergency medication.
What is neuroblastoma?
Malignant tumor of the sympathetic nervous system.
What is the most common tumor of childhood?
Neuroblastoma.
What ages are commonly diagnosed with neuroblastoma?
Infants and preschool-aged children.
Where is a neuroblastoma usually located?
In the abdomen, near the adrenal glands.
What are symptoms of neuroblastoma?
Anorexia, malaise, weight loss, sweating, constipation, hypertension, nerve compression.
Where can neuroblastoma metastasize?
Bone marrow, liver, subcutaneous tissue.
What is the 5-year survival rate for neuroblastoma?
70–90%.
What improves prognosis in neuroblastoma?
Diagnosis before 1 year of age.
Is recurrence common in neuroblastoma?
Yes, especially within the first year after treatment.
