Seizures (Exam 4) Flashcards
Seizures
Transient, uncontrolled electrical discharge of neurons in brain that interrupts normal function
May accompany many disorders (systemic and metabolic)
If seizure stops when underlying problem is corrected, it is
not referred to as seizure disorder
Types of Seizures
Generalized Onset Seizures:
Focal-Onset Seizures (Partial)
Types of Generlized Onset Seizures
-Tonic Clonic Seizures
-Absence Seizures
Types of Focal-Onset Seizures
-Focal seizures w/ retained awareness
-Focal seizures w/ impaired awareness
Tonic Clonic Seizures
Tonic = Stiff 10-20 secs
Clonic = Jerking 30-40 secs
Loses consciousness; falls to ground
Salivation
Diaphoresis
Tongue Biting
Incontinence
Postictal = Sleep for hours
No memory of experience
Absence Seizure
Rarely happens beyond adolescence
Brief staring spell that resembles daydreaming; last less than 10 seconds; unresponsive when spoken to during seizure
Focal Onset Seizure (w/ retained awareness)
No loss of consciousness
Less than 1 minute
Have unusual sensations that can take many forms:
-Joy-Anger-Saddness-Nausea
May hear-smell-taste-see things that are not real
Focal Onset Seizures means it happens
On one hemisphere of the brain
Focal Onset Seizure (w/o retained awareness)
Eyes open, but have loss of consciousness or change in awareness
Make movements that seem purposeful but cannot interact w/ observer
Walk into traffic - take off clothes
1-2 minutes
Tired and confused afterward
Four phases of a seizure
Prodromal Phase
Aural phase
Ictal Phase
Post-ictal phase
Prodromal Phase
First phase of seizure
Sensations or behavior changes that precede a seizure by hours to days
insomnia - photophobia
Aural phase
Sensory warning that a seizure is about to happen
Lines in vision
Metallic taste
ictal phase
First symptom through the end of seizure activity
This phase is the seizures itself
Post-Ictal Phase
Recovery period after the seizure
Seizure: Diagnostic Studies
Accurate / comprehensive description of seizure activity
Patient health history
EEG
Seizure Diagnostic: EEG
Ideally within 24 hours of seizure
Helpful only if abnormal
Diagnostic Studies to rule out metabolic disorders
Seizures can be caused by many different things
-CBC
-Serum chemistry
-Liver and Kidney Test
-urinalysis
CT or MRI (rule out structural lesions)
First Aid During Seizure
- ABC
- Safety
- Monitor
- Rest and Support
ABC’s During Seizure
-Assure patent airway
-Suction and provide breathing assistance after seizure prn
Saftey During Seizure
-Pad bed rails
-Do not force object into mouth
-Do not restrain movements unless it is dangering patient
-Stay with person until seizure ends
-Turn head to side ‘‘if’ possible (DO NOT FORCE)
Monitoring during seizure
-VS - EMV- SpO2 - PERRLA
-Time: Onset and duration of seizure
-Accurate documentations
-Cyanosis seen in tonic-clonic seizures usually self-limiting
Seizure Rest and Support
-Let the person rest until he is fully awake
-Be reassuring and supportive when patient is awake
When is a seizure a medical emergency?
Happens > 5 minutes or has BACK to BACK over course of 30 min
