Seizures and Epilepsy - Lindsay Schommer (unfinished) Flashcards
what is a seizure
an “electrical storm” in the brain, not all seizures are convulsions
what is epilepsy
recurrent unprovoked seizure associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain
what is the criteria for epilepsy
two or more unprovoked seizures separated by at least 24 hours
what is the risk of recurrence after first unprovoked seizure
40% - generally not treated
what is the risk of recurrent after second unprovoked seizure
70% - start ASM at this time
what is provoked or not in regards to seizures
example: metabolic disturbance, infectious, impact, surgery - think alcohol withdrawal or low blood sugar
what is isolated or not?
epilepsy should NOT be diagnosed on the basis of a single seizure
exception: if abnormal EEG is present
what are the three main categories of seizure types
focal onset
generalized onset
unknown onset
what is focal onset seizures
seizures start in, and affect, one part of the brain
aware and impaired awareness
what is generalized onset seizures
seizure starts in, affects both sides of the brain at once and happen without warning
motor vs non-motor
where do focal seizures originate
from a paroxysmal discharge in a focal area of cerebral cortex (temporal lobe)
where do primary generalized seizures originate
the diencephalic activating system and spread simultaneously to all area of brain
what are the stages of a seizure
prodrome
aura
ictal phase
post-ictal phase
what is it called when there is a feeling something is off preceding the seizure itself
prodrome
what is an aura
first clinical change recognizable to patient
“warning sign” - typically a very small seizure, may progress or dissipate, focal epilepsy, may help with localization
what is the ictal phase
time from the first symptom (including aura) until the end of the seizure activity - correlated with abnormal electrical discharges in the brain