Seizures - Epilepsy Flashcards
Is the cause of epilepsy known?
No.
What is the etiology of epilepsy?
Provoked seizures (secondary) Unprovoked seizures (primary)
What are some underlying causes for provoked seizures?
There is some genetic component involved - but is not well established.
CNS insult (infection, trauma)
Febrile seizures (kids)
Metabolic related: hypoxia, hypoglycaemia, electrolyte imbalance
What is the etiology of provoked seizures?
Mostly idiopathic and also has more genetic involvement than provoked seizures
What is epilepsy classified as?
Recurrent seizures
What is the patho of a seizure?
Epileptogenic cells are stimulated creating a discharge of increased amplitude and frequency, which spreads to other neurons. Normal neuron inhibition is blocked leading to abnormal muscle action and LOC.
What occurs just before a seizure is fully over?
Intermittent contraction-relaxation
What occurs once a seizure is over and why?
CNS depression because epileptogenic cells are completely inhibited
What is the phase called when CNS depression occurs after a seizure?
Post ictal phase
As a result from a seizure, an increase in ______ occurs. The body demands more _____ and ___
Metabolism
Oxygen
Glucose
Whether or not the body can meet metabolic demands during a seizure depends on what?
Length of the seizure
What is a complication of a seizure? Why?
Metabolic acidosis because the body’s muscles are using anaerobic respiration to create energy
How are seizures diagnosed?
History (unless seizure is witnessed)
Neuro exam
Determine cause of seizure
Labs, scans, EEG
What is the treatment for a seizure? During, right after and later on?
During- protect individual from injury
STAT after- preserve brain fx
Later- underlying cause, anticonvulsant drugs & if drugs don’t work surgery
Which type of seizure does someone lose consciousness from… Simple partial seizure or complex partial seizure?
Complex
