Seizures II

Question 1

What is a seizure?

Answer 1

Finite episode of brain dysfunction resulting from abnormal synchronous neuronal discharge

Question 2

What can be the cause of symptomatic epilepsies?

Answer 2

TBI

Developmental abnormalities

Infection

Metabolic disorder

Tumor

Cardiovascular disease

Degenerative

Substance toxicity

– Majority of adult onset seizures are symptomatic (not ideopathic)

Question 3

What are the characteristics of a simple partial seizure?

Answer 3

Preservation of conciousness

Sensory “auras” or limited unilateral motor convulsions
(depends on affected area)

Duration: 20-60s

Question 4

What are the characteristics of a complex partial seizure?

Answer 4

Impaired conciousness

automatisms common

post-ictal confusion and/or lethargy

Often assoc. with amnesia

Most common refractory seizure type in adult

Duration: 30s-2min

Question 5

What are the characteristics of a partial seizure secondarily generalized?

Answer 5

Partial seizure onset progressing to generalized tonic-clonic seizure

Duration: 1-2min

Question 6

What is the difference between a partial and generalized seizure?

Answer 6

Partial = localized onset

Generalized = no localized onset

Question 7

What are the characteristics of a tonic-clonic (grand-mal) seizure?

Answer 7

Loss of conciousness

major convulsions

tonic spasm of body musculature followed by synchronous clonic jerking

prolonged post-ictal stupor

Other seizure types can progress secondarily to grand mal seizures

Duration: 1-2min

Question 8

What are the characteristics of an absence (petit mal) seizure?

Answer 8

Abrupt interruption of conciousness associated with starign and cessation of ongoing activities

Symmetrical automatisms and/or mild jerking common

Lack of post-ictal abnormalities often used to distinguish from complex partial seizures

duration: <30s