Seizures And Epilepsy Flashcards
What are seizures?
Sudden attacks of synchronous, excessive electrical discharge of neurons, which originate in the cerebral cortex. They are a clinical manifestation of an underlying cause.
How are Seizures classified?
They can be classified as: A) partial (focal) - simple or complex -acquired or B) generalized
Simple partial seizures
Occur without alteration to the patient’s consciousness. Limited to single muscle group.
Complex partial seizures
Alteration in consciousness along with muscle group movement.
Generalized seizures
Most common. Loss of consciousness and a full body involvement. Involves urination, defecation, and salivation.
Other rare forms of seizures
Absent and myoclonic seizures
What defines a cluster seizure?
Two or more seizures within a 24 hour period
What defines epilepsy?
When seizures recur. Epilepsy can be classified as true epilepsy, symptomatic epilepsy. Or reactive epilepsy.
What causes a true epilepsy?
Inherited intracranial disorders
Acquired from previous intracranial disorders
Or
Idiopathic
What is a symptomatic epilepsy
It is recurring seizures seen as a symptom of current intracranial disease, such as brain tumor.
What is a reactive epilepsy?
When extra-cranial or metabolic causes such as hypoglycemia, kidney or liver disease, and toxicities causes recurring reactive seizures.
What is defined as a status epilepticus (SE)?
Continuous seizures activity or two or more seizures that occur without recovery of consciousness in between.
Requires medical emergency and immediate intervention.
What is status epilepticus a result of?
Neuropathy increasing neuronal excitation.
Inadequate neuronal inhibition, or a combination of both.
Excess of excitatory neurotransmitters or antagonism of inhibitory neurotransmitters.
What will prolonged duration of SE lead to?
Neuronal necrosis, most severe in parts of the brain with high metabolic activity, due to the depletion fo ATP and lactate accumulation.
Other problems: Hyperthermia, hypoxemia, aspiration pneumonia, neurogenic pulmonary edema, systemic lactic acidosis, hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, acute renal failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and shock.
