Seizures- Ferguson Flashcards
what age group has a higher incidence of epilepsy
young children
elderly
what gender does epilepsy present in more
male
what is an epileptic seizure
temporary physiologic dysfunction of the brain caused by a self-limited, abnormal synchronous electrical discharge of cortical neurons
the particular manifestations of any single seizure depend on what 4 things
- whether most or only part of the cerebral cortex is involved at the beginning
- functions of the cortical areas where the seizure originates
- subsequent pattern of spread of the electrical ictal discharge within the brain
- extent to which subcortical and brain stem structures are engaged
define seizure
transient epileptic event
symptom of disturbed brain function
what makes a seizure not an epilespy
no underlying disorder
define epilepsy
chronic disorder
recurrence of seizures that are typically 2 unprovoked at LEAST 24 HOURS APART
what are 2 types of seizures? define them
partial or focal seizures: onset limited to a part of the cerebral hemisphere
generalized seizure: involve the brain diffusely from the beginning
what is the second physiological principle of seizures according to the International League Against Epilepsy
dynamic and evolving
what is the partial seizures subdivision based upon? what are the divisions?
consciousness
simple partial: perserved
complex partial: altered
simple partial seizures can evolve into what
complex partial seizures and
generalized seizures
what is the subdivsion of generalized seizures
presence or absence of focal onset
character of ictal motor manifestations
How do simple partial seizures spread
they don’t
epileptogenic focus: limited to an area of cortex
can simple partial seizure patients interact with their surroundings and interact with others
yes
what does the patient experience with simple partial seizures
auras
how does brain charge spread in complex partial seizures? what areas are at least infected
bilateral spread of seizure discharge
basal forebrain and limbic areas
what are clinical manifestations of complex partial seziures
automatisms: lip smaking, repeated swallowing
where do most complex partial seizures arise from? the rest arise from where
temporal lobe
rest come from: frontal and occipital lobes
Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are characterized by what
abrupt loss of consciousness with bilateral tonic extension of the trunk and limbs (tonic phase)
Generalized tonic-clonic seizures are accompanied by what clinical manifestations
loud vocalization (epileptic cry) followed by synchronous muscle jerking (clonic phase)
clincally postictally, how do patients present with Generalized tonic-clonic seizures
briefly unarousable,
lethargic
confused
prefer sleeping
Absence (petit mal) seizures
momentary lapses in awareness that are accompanied by motionless starring and arrest of ongoing activity
longer attacks of absence (petit mal) seizures may have what clinical symptoms
jerks of eyelid for facial muscle
variable loss of muscle tone and automatism
when is the term atypical absence seizure used?
when an absence seizure has blurred beginning and end or if tonic and autonomic components are uncluded