Seizures (Exam #4) Flashcards
What condition involves recurrent seizures due to a chronic, underlying process ?
Epilepsy
What are three possible etiologies (electrolyte abnormalities) of seizure?
- Hypoglycemia
- Hyponatremia
- Hypocalcemia
What are the two types of Partial (Focal) Seizures, and how can you differentiate the two?
- Simple Partial = NO ALOC
- Complex Partial = ALOC (impaired consciousness)
With a Partial Seizure, what sxs will present if the Motor cortex is the affected area?
Clonic movements (start in hand/foot → progress to entire limb)
With a Partial Seizure, what sxs will present if the Sensory cortex is the affected area (2)?
- Paresthesias
- Face or limb numbness
With a Partial Seizure, what sxs will present if the Temporal lobe is the affected area?
Deja vu
- Possible epigastric discomfort
With a Partial Seizure, what sxs will present if the Occipital lobe is the affected area?
VISION
- Flashing lights
- Visual changes
With what type of Partial Seizure can they interact with others, recall events?
Simple Partial Seizure
What is the MOST common type of seizure in adults with epilepsy?
Complex Partial Seizure
What type of seizure presents with a combination of focal motor AND focal sensory with ALOC?
Complex Partial Seizure
What are two other names for an Absence Seizure?
- “Generalized Non-Motor Seizure”
- Petite Mal
What is another name for a Tonic-Clonic Seizure?
Grand Mal
What type of seizure is confused with daydreaming; begins in childhood?
Absence Seizure
What type of seizure involves sudden/brief LOC, NO postural control loss; lasts a few seconds?
Absence Seizure
What is seen on EEG with an Absence Seizure?
Generalized spike and wave pattern
What type of seizure involves sudden LOC with fall to ground/no warning?
Tonic-Clonic Seizure
What are the three phases of a Tonic-Clonic Seizure, and what is seen with each?
- Tonic phase = tonic contractions
- Clonic phase = muscles relax/contract, jerky movements
- Postictal phase = confused, sleepy
What type of seizure involves sudden/brief generalized muscular contraction of limbs and trunk?
Myoclonic Seizure
What type of seizure involves sudden loss of postural tone lasting 1-2 seconds; LOC?
Atonic Seizure
What is the most common type of seizure due to metabolic pattern?
Tonic-Clonic Seizure
What type of seizure is a/w significant brain disease?
Tonic Seizure
What is a Tonic Seizure often associated with?
Significant brain disease
What type of seizure involves sudden/very brief stiffening of body with loss of balance +/- LOC?
Tonic Seizure
What is the dx test of choice for seizures?
EEG
What is the recommended acute tx for seizures (4)?
- Protect patient/head from injury
- Nothing in mouth
- Roll patient on side as seizure subsides
- TIME the seizure
Which medication can be used to tx ANY type of seizure?
Valproic Acid
What three drugs can be used to tx a Partial/Focal Seizure?
- Carbamazepine
- Phenytoin
- Valproic Acid
What three drugs can be used to tx a Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizure?
- Valproic Acid
- Carbamazepine
- Phenytoin
What two drugs can be used to tx a Generalized Absence Seizure, and which is preferred?
- Ethosuximide = preferred
- Valproic Acid
What drug can be used to a Generalized Myoclonic Seizure?
Valproic Acid
What drug can be used to tx a Generalized Atonic Seizure?
Valproic Acid
What are the two possible definitions of Status Epilepticus?
- Continuous seizures
OR - Recurrent seizure without regaining consciousness
What are the two classes of drugs that can be used to tx Status Epilepticus, and what is an example of each?
Benzos
- IV Lorazepam
- IV Diazepam
Anticonvulsants
- IV Phenytoin (Dilantin)
If Status Epilepticus continues after initial tx, what mediation can be considered?
IV Phenobarbital
