Seizures Flashcards
What is old vs new terminology for seizures
Partial Simple= Focal Aware
Partial complex= Focal Impaired Awareness
Generalized= Generalized Motor or Non-motor
Unknown= Unknown Motor or Non-motor
What is a Focal Aware seizure
Unilateral, no altered consciousness
Presentation depends on region affected by electricity change (sensory, motor, autonomic, psych)
What is a Focal Impaired awareness seizure
Unilateral, with impaired consciousness
Automatisms with NO purpose
Post-ictal confusion and tiredness
What is a Generalized non-motor seizure
Absence seizure; abrupt onset&recovery
Sudden staring, Impaired awareness, eyelid fluttering
How can you specifically diagnose a Generalized non-motor seizure
EEG will show 3Hz Spike and Slow wave
What is a Generalized Myotonic motor seizure
Bilateral sudden brief muscle contraction (jerks) usually to UE
What does “tonic” and “clonic” mean
Tonic is the contraction and stiffening of muscles
Clonic is the rhythmic movements of muscles
What is a Generalized Tonic-Clonic Motor Seizure
Aura, then Tonic, then Clonic, then post-ictal phase
Aura is usually the same so pts know when they’re about to have a seizure
What is a Generalized Atonic Motor Seizure
Sudden loss of muscle control (usually LE) causing the patient to “drop”
Poor prognosis
Mistaken for Syncope
What is Status Epilepticus
Sustained seizure state (>5 min) with 2+ seizures without full recovery in between
What is the MCC of status epilepticus
Anti-Epileptic drug non-compliance
What is treatment for Status Epilepticus
ABC’s + IV Ativan
What diagnostic tests can you use for seizure disorder
EEG
MRI
CBC, CMP, PRL, CK, ox-screen
+/- LP, EKG
What can increase the yield of EEG
Adding sleep deprivation, photostimulus, or hyperventilation
(also doing serial EEG)
When do you start AED
NOT after only one seizure, need a legitimate diagnosis!
