Seizures and Epilepsy

Question 1

seizure

Answer 1

temporary alteration in behavior due to the massive electrical discharge of one or more groups of neurons in the brain

Question 2

seizure caused by stress such as

Answer 2

hypoxia, rapid lowering the of the blood sugar

Question 3

febrile seizures

Answer 3

can occur in young children with sudden elevation in body temperature

Question 4

structural disease of the brain

Answer 4

tumors, head trauma, toxic eclampsia, vascular disorders

Question 5

most common cause of seizures

Answer 5

idiopathic epilepsy

Question 6

epilepsy and epileptic indicate

Answer 6

indicate potential to develop seizures in circumstances that would not induce them in most individuals

Question 7

partial seizures

Answer 7

remain confined to a limited portion of the brain, causing localized malfunction, or may spread and become generalized

Question 8

generalized seizures

Answer 8

begin as electrical discharge in a small area of the brain but spread to involve the entire cerebral cortex, causing widespread malfunction

Question 9

tonic-clonic (grand mal seizure)

Answer 9

generalized motor seizure, producing a loss of consciousness / includes a tonic phase (increased tone) / characterized by tensed, contracted muscles, and a clonic phase, characterized by rhythmic jerking movements of the extremities / intercostal muscles and diaphragm become temporarily paralyzed, interrupting respirations and producing cyanosis

Question 10

aura

Answer 10

subjective sensation preceding seizure activity

Question 11

tonic phase

Answer 11

continuous muscle tension rigidity, including hyperextension of back

Question 12

hypertonic phase

Answer 12

extreme muscular rigidity, including hyperextension of the back

Question 13

clonic phase

Answer 13

muscle spasms marked by rhythmic movements / jaw remains clenched, making airway management difficult

Question 14

post seizure

Answer 14

patient remains in a coma

Question 15

postictal

Answer 15

patient may awaken confused and fatigued / may complain of a headache and may experience some neurologic deficit

Question 16

absence (petit mal seizure)

Answer 16

brief, generalized seizure that usually presents with a 10 to 30 second loss of consciousness or awareness, eye or muscle fluttering, and occasion loss of muscle tone

Question 17

pseudo seizures (hysterical seizures)

Answer 17

stem from psychological disorders / patient presents with sharp and bizarre movements that can often be interrupted with a terse command, such a “stop it!”

Question 18

status epilepticus

Answer 18

series of two or more generalized motor seizures without an intervening return of consciousness

Question 19

med treatment for status epilepticus

Answer 19

diazepam (Valium) which is a benzodiazepine, via IV push at 5 to 10 mg

Question 20

common anticonvulsant medications

Answer 20

phenytoin (Dilantin), phenobarbital, carbamazepine (Tegretol), ethosuzamide (Zarontin), gabapentin (Neurontin), lamotrigine (Lamictal), valproic acid (Depakote)

Question 21

consider anticonvulsant if seizure last

Answer 21

greater than 5 minutes