Seizures

Question 1

Define seizure

Answer 1

paroxysmal abnormality of motor sensory autonomic and or cognitive function due to transient brain dysfunction

Question 2

What is an epileptic seizure

Answer 2

excessive hypersynchronous electrical activity typically in networks in the cerebral cortex

Question 3

What is a convulsion

Answer 3

can be epileptic or non epilepticwith motor components ( tonic clonic myoclonic vibratory hypermotor)

Question 4

What is epilepsy

Answer 4

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that predisposes the patient to having unprovoked epileptic seizures and is recognised after two or more epileptic seizures has occured

Question 5

There is no change in electrical conduction in the brain with febrile seizures. true or false

Answer 5

False a febrile seizure is an epileptic seizure accompanied by fever in the absence of intracranial infection.

Question 6

Febrile seizures are not genetically linked true or false

Answer 6

False. Febrile seizures are genetically linked and a child has a 10% chance of developing febrile seizures if there is a positive family history in a first degree relative.

Question 7

A 6 yr old patient presents to the ED after an episode of jerking movements followed by periods of relaxations. The history is significant for a viral illness. The mother says that the patient’s older brother experienced similar episodes as a child. The parent is worried that this will become a repetitive occurence and may cause brain damage according to her research. What do you tell the mother

Answer 7

About 30-40 % of patients have recurrent febrile seizures. SImple febrile seizures do not cause brain damage. There is a 1-2% chance of developing an epilepsy.