Seizures Flashcards
what is a seizure
a neuron misfiring in the brain
seizures are often r/t an underlying condition
yes - when underlying condition resolves seizures stop (hypoglycemia/febrile/alcohol withdraw)
what is epilepsy
a CHRONIC seizure disorder without identifiable reason
are seizures in epilepsy recurrent
yes
recurrent seizures in epilepsy MAY present with
altered LOC
convulsions
behavior abnormalities
what causes seizures
metabolic
toxicological
intra-cranial (brain tumor, IICP)
extra-cranial (high fever, low blood sugar)
if seizure goes on for long period of time what could happen in the brain
scar tissue could form in the brain
patho of epilepsy
neurons undergo spontaneous firing - firing can spread to other areas of the brain
generalized seizure occurs where
a seizure effecting both sides of the brain
a partial seizure occurs where
in one hemisphere of the brain (localized)
why are seizures so dangerous
blackouts cause injuries
increase oxygen demands in brain causing hypoxia
status epilepticus
seizure not letting up or clusters of seizures
leading to brain death
social effects of seizures
license revoked for a period of time(depend on state)
stigmas
employment discrimination (driving)
what determines seizure symptoms
location of seizure extent of spreading/size
grande petite a tonic mal
big small none - without stiffening of muscle bad
seizures progress through different stages, t or f
true
2 classifications of seizures
partial and generalized
difference in consciousness, partial vs generalized seizures
partial - conscious
general - unconscious
tonic-clonic (generalized) seizure is often referred to as a
grand mal seizure (big and bad)
b/l (2 areas or more firing at the same time)
s/s of tonic-clonic seizure
stiffening of muscle (stiff/relax) frothing at the mouth tongue biting apnea loss of consciousness often have episode of consciousness
what are pt at risk for w/tonic-clonic seizure
secondary injury
aspiration (chest x-ray)
what is the ictal state of seizure
having an actual seizure
what is the post-ictal state of seizure
minutes to hours after seizure
what are s/s of pt post-ictal tonic-clonic seizure
lethargy, hungry, confusion
what should we recommend post-ictal tonic-clonic seizure
sleeping
absence (generalized) seizure is often referred to as
petit mal seizure (small and bad) “daydreaming seizures”
*absence seizures are typically found in this population
children (school-aged to adolescence)
s/s of absence seizure
very quick - hard to miss
daydreaming/zoning out in class
what area of the brain is affected with absence seizure
both hemispheres of the brain
triggers for absence seizures
flashing lights (video games) hyperventilation (running on playground)
2 types of generalized seizures (prototypes)
tonic-clonic
absence
3 types of partial seizures
simple
complex
secondarily generalized
s/s of simple seizures
report dejavu prior to seizure
conscious - but altered
if seizure is on rt, s/s appear on lt side of body (jerking)
s/s of complex seizures
altered LOC - foggy but conscious(non-communicative)
r/t temporal lobe involvement
lip-smacking
what is a secondarily generalized seizure
starts as partial seizure, goes into generalized
s/s of secondarily generalized seizure
bilateral hemisphere involvement
aura
is secondarily generalized seizure common
yes - but often undiagnosed (missed first s/s)
think of this term with secondarily generalized seizures
Todd’s paralysis
s/s of Todd’s paralysis r/t secondarily generalized seizure
focal deficits w/some hemi-plegia resolving after 36hrs
easy to mis-diagnose as a stroke
hypoxia - perm. brain damage - death
what is status epilepticus
grand mal seizure on steroids
most dangerous seizure you can have
status epilepticus - neurons exhaust - brain damage
is a status epilepticus seizure a neurologic emergency
yes - requires intervention
what intervention can we do for status epilepticus
benzos IV
what is a sub-clinical seizure
abnormal electrical process going on - suppressed by pharmacological agent
what is a psychogenic seizure
psychological in nature - make you think they are having (urinate on self)
