Seizures

Question 1

What is the difference between a general and a partial seizure?

Answer 1

General - involves the whole body;

Partial - part of the body

Question 2

What is the difference between a complex and a simple seizure?

Answer 2

Complex - LOC

Simple - no LOC

Question 3

VITAMINS for epilepsy etiology

Answer 3

Vascular ie stroke;
Infection ie meningitis, encephalitis;
Trauma ie TBI, brain bleed;
Autoimmune is lupus cerebritis
Metabolic is derangements in blood glucose and oxygenation;
Ingestion, withdrawal
Neoplasm
pSych ie pseudoseizure

Question 4

How can you differentiate between a seizure and syncope?

Answer 4

Post-ictal state

Question 5

What is the criteria for status epilepticus?

Answer 5

> 5 min;

failure to return to baseline >20 min

Question 6

How do you abort status epilepticus?

Answer 6

Benzodiazepines;
if benzos dont work, then fosphenytoin;
then intubate, midazolam and propofol;
then phenobarbital

Question 7

What are three drugs used in generalized seizure disorder?

Answer 7

Valproate;
Lamotrigine
Keppra (Levetiracetam)

Question 8

What is the treatment for trigeminal neuralgia?

Answer 8

Carbamazepine

Question 9

What are absence seizures?

Answer 9

tone maintained, LOC hundreds of times a day

Question 10

What is the treatment for absence seizures?

Answer 10

Ethosuximide

dx with EEG

Question 11

What is an atonic seziure?

Answer 11

Loss of tone, no LOC

Question 12

What is a myoclonic seizure?

Answer 12

no LOC, spastic contractions

Question 13

When is valproate used in the treatment of seizure?

Answer 13

Atonic (also, have kids wear helmets);

Myoclonic