Seizures and Syncope

Question 1

2 or more unprovoked siezures is diagnosed as _

Answer 1

epilepsy

Question 2

Percent positive finding for epilepsy on a single EEG is pretty low (40%), however, _ seizures has a 90% predictability.

Answer 2

petit mal (with HIV)

Question 3

The percentage of positive findings for epilepsy can be increased by _

Answer 3

3 EEG with pt sleep-deprived

Question 4

Although EEG is an important tool in diagnosis of epilepsy, what is the single most important information that’s needed for diagnosis?

Answer 4

History, from family friends or someone who witnessed the seizure.

Question 5

what is meant by secondarily generlized seizures?

Answer 5

It’s a partial onset seizure that starts on one side of brain but then spreads to the other side and becomes generalized

Question 6

what are the common generalized seisures?

Answer 6

• absence
• tonic-clonic
• myoclonic
• tonic
• clonic
• atonic
• clonic-tonic-clonic

Question 7

what are the characeristics of partial seizures?

Answer 7

Simple: focal motor or sensory activity, no LOC, lasts seconds, no post ictal state

Complex: nonresponsive staring, possibly precedding aura, automatisim, LOC, lasts 1-3 min, post ictal state

secondary generalized: bilateral tonic clonic anctivity, LOC, lasts 1-3 min, post ictal state

Question 8

define tonic-clonic generalized seizures

Answer 8

bilateral extension followed by symmetrical jerking of extremities, LOC, lasts 1-3 min, post-ictal state

Question 9

what is atonic seizure?

Answer 9

suddent loss of muscle tone, head drops, or patient collapses, LOC, variable duration, post-ictal state

Question 10

what is myoclonic seizure/

Answer 10

brief, rapid symmetical jerking of extremities and/or torso, LOC, lasts

Question 11

what drugs can be used for both primary generalized and for partial onset seizures?

Answer 11

• valproic acid
• lamotrigine
• topiramate
• levetriacetam
• zomisamide
• perampanel

Question 12

what drug can treat absence?

Answer 12

ethosuxamide

Question 13

what drug treats primary generalized?

Answer 13

ethosuxamide
valproic acid
lmatorigine,, levetriacetam, topiramate, perampanel

Question 14

what combination of AED has been shown to be synergistic in treatment of epilepsy?

Answer 14

valproic acid and lamtrigine

Question 15

whats status epilepticus?

Answer 15

prolonged seizure generally greater than 10 mins or repeated seizures without recovery in betwen

Question 16

what symptoms are associated with syncope?

Answer 16

• pallor
• sweating
• abnormal head sensation
• lightheadedness
• positionally related
• slow onset
• brief unconsciousness

Question 17

what characteristics are seen in seizure that makes it different from syncope?

Answer 17

• urinary or bowel incontinence
• tongue injury
• tonic/clonic movements
• postictal state