Seizures Flashcards
What is the #1 treatment for seizures disorders?
AEDs
Partial Seizures
- begin locally; simple or complex
- simple: no impairment of consciousness
- complex: consciousness impaired
Generalized Seizures
-bilaterally symmetrical and w/o local onset
Pathophysiology of Seizures
- sudden electrical disturbance of cortex
- neurons fire rapidly and repeatedly
Goals of Sz Therapy
- control or reduce frequency of sz
- ensure med adherence
- optimize QOL
- balance between sz control and side effects
General Approach to Sz Treatment
- determine risk of subsequent seizures
- pick AED based on sz type and AEs
- begin with monotherapy
- titrate dose as needed
- adherence is key (60% non-adherent)
Non-pharm Therapy for Szs
- surgery: temporal lobectomy, CC section, hemispherectomy
- vagal nerve stimulator implantation
- ketogenic diet
Ketogenic Diet
- induce ketogenic state by cutting out all carbs
- high fat/high protein diet, very restrictive
MOA of AEDs
- stabilize neuronal membranes
- enhance inhibitory NTs and decrease excitatory
- increase seizure threshold
- inhibit spread of abnormal/sz discharges
Concentration-Related AEs
- most common
- increased drug levels = increased side effects
- not permanent
- see at peak concentration or throughout the day
How are concentration-related AEs managed?
- lower dose/level
- change schedule or formulation of med
- discontinue med
Idiosyncratic AEs
- more rare
- not related to dose/level
- may be permanent
- seen throughout the day
How are idiosyncratic AEs managed?
discontinue med
treat AE as needed
What are some common concentration dependent acute side effects?
- drowsiness, dizziness, lethargy
- ataxia, unsteadiness
- N/V/HA
- diplopia
- GI upset
What are some common idiosyncratic side effects?
- blood dyscrasias
- rash
- pedal edema
What are common chronic side effects of AEDs?
- osteoporosis/metabolic bone dz
- weight gain
- behavior changes
How does suicide risk factor into AED pt education?
- pts on AEDs have 2x risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- patients should be educated to seek help
What type of drugs may decrease absorption of AEDs? How can this be prevented?
- aluminum or magnesium containing antacids
- separate doses by 2+ hours