Seizures And Epilepsy Flashcards
Epilepsy
A chronic neurological condition
Generalized seizure (Grand Mal)
Characterized by unconsciousness (complex) and a generalized severe twitching of all muscles. Results from abnormal discharges from large areas of the brain from both hemispheres
Simple Partial Seizure/ Focal Seizure
No changed in LOC. Can have numbness, weakness, dizziness, visual changes, unusual smells and tastes. May have some twitching or brief paralysis
Complex Partial Seizure
Altered LOC, Results from abnormal discharges from the temporal lobe of the brain. Lipsmacking, eye blinking , isolated jerking. Uncontrollable fear
Tonic-Clonic Seizure (more specific than complex generalized / Grand Mal)
Sudden loss of consciousness, chaotic muscle movement and tone, apnea. Often sensed by patient by an aura
Tonic phase
Bilateral muscle rigidity
Cloning Phase
Muscle contraction and relaxation lasting 1 to 3 minuetes
Symptoms of Tonic Clonic Seizures
Tachycardia, Hyperventilation, Sweating, and intense salivation. Lasts 3-5 min. Postictal state is 5-20 min
Absense seizure (petit Mal)
Lasts for seconds. Patient fully recovers wth a brief lapse of memory. Almost exclusively in young children
Status Epilepticus
Seizures that continue every few minutes without the patient regaining consciousness or last longer than 30 min
4 Common causes of seizures
Epilepsy, Structural (tumour), Metabolic (hypoxia, drug OD), Febrile (sudden high fever)
Seizure Causes that are concerning
Pregnancy, First time Seizure, Status epilepticus
Alcohol Withoutdrawl Seizure
Occurs 6-48 hours since last drink. 6-8hours tremulousness, nausea, anxiety. 3–5 days hallucinations, disorientation, delirium
What do seizures do to diabetics
Can lower blood sugar
What are two things to worry about post seizure
Did they hit their head? Did they have incontinence?
