Seizures Flashcards
first-line treatment for chronic seizure management
anti-epileptic drugs (AED)
How are AEDs discontinued?
must be tapered;
do NOT discontinue abruptly
What causes seizures in the brain?
excitatory neurons produce a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain
epilepsy
a chronic seizure disorder
broad-spectrum condition
tonic-clonic seizure
uncontrolled jerking movements
absence seizures
momentary loss of awareness;
generalized seizure with non-motor symptoms;
usually present as staring spells
the most common test used to diagnose epilepsy
electroencephalogram (EEG)
focal seizure
start on ONE side of the brain, but can spread to the other side
generalized seizure
start on BOTH sides of the brain;
involves loss of consciousness or unawareness
focal aware seizure (a.k.a. simple partial seizure)
focal seizure that results in NO loss of consciousness
focal seizure w/ impaired awareness (a.k.a. complex partial seizure)
focal seizure that results in LOSS of consciousness
motor symptom - clonic
sustained, rhythmical jerking movements
motor symptom - atonic
limp or weak muscles
motor symptom - myoclonus
muscle twitching
motor symptom - tonic
rigid or tense muscles
non-motor symptoms
changes in sensation, emotions, thinking or cognition
status epilepticus
seizure lasting beyond five minutes
normal mechanisms that terminate seizure are not working
medical emergency
seizure longer than 30 minutes, causing long-term damage
Diastat Acudial
rectal diazepam gel;
for patients at risk of long-lasting seizures
Which temporary conditions can cause seizures?
How do you stop the seizures?
fever (common in children), infection, alcohol, withdrawal, hypoglycemia or electrolyte abnormalities
TREAT THE UNDERLYING CAUSE
