Seizures/Epilepsy Flashcards
What is Epilepsy?
Chronic Seizure
Classification of Seizures
1) Focal (one side of the brain)
2) Generalized (Both sides of the brain)
Tonic - rigid, tense muscles
Clonic - uncontrolled jerking movements
What is a Seizure?
This is a sudden, uncontrolled surge of excitatory neuronal activity within the brain.
Causes of seizures?
1) Alcohol withdrawal
2) Electrolyte abnormality
3) Fever or infection
4) Head injury
5) Hypoglycemia
6) Drug-induced
What are some drugs which can lower the seizure threshold and cause seizures?
1) Opioids (tramadol, meperidine)
2) Antibiotics (Quinolones, Carbapenems, Cephalosporins, Penicillins)
3) Psych (Bupropion, Clozapine, Lithium, TCAs)
Seizure Classification
1- Seizures (<5 mins)
2- Status Epilepticus (> 5 mins)
Acute Treatment of Status Epilepticus
0-5 mins: Oxygen, monitor labs
5-20 mins: Injectable Benzodiazepines (IV lorazepam, IV diazepam, IM midazolam)
20-40 mins: IV Antisezure Meds (Fosphenytoin, Valproic Acid, Levetiracetam)
Diastat AcuDial Dispensing
Pharmacist MUST dial and lock correct prescribed dose.
*This is a rectal diazepam
Chronic Seizure Management
Primary Treatment: Lamotrigine, Valproate, Levetiracetam
Adjuvant Treatments: Cannabis-derived products, Neurostimulation, Keto Diet (4:1 ration of fats to combined protein and carb. High-fat, Low-Carb & Protein)
Note: discontinuing any anti-seizure medication abruptly can cause seizures to re-occur. Taper off.
What medications are used to treat Broad Spectrum seizures (Focal and Generalized seizures)?
1) Lamotrigine
2) Levetiracetam
3) Topiramate
4) Valproate
What medications are used primarily to treat Focal Seizures?
1) Carbamazepine
2) Phenytoin
What medication is primarily used to treat Absense seizures?
Ethosuximide
What are the neurotransmitters involved in seizures?
1) Glutamate (Excitatory)
2) GABA (Inhibitory)
*Blocking Na channels, decrease excitatory transmission (glutamate)
MOA of Benzodiazepines and Phenobarbital?
Enhances GABA effect
MOA of Valproate?
Blocks Na channels and increases GABA