Seizuring patient - SA/LA Flashcards
Define seizure
electrical imbalance between excitation and inhibition, they have a certain rhythmicity
How can seizures be classified by CS?
FOCAL: when people appear absent
GENERALISED: tonic, clonic,
* don’t use the petit-mal and grand-mal seizure
Describe focal seizures
SIMPLE FOCAL: no loss of consciousness
COMPLEX FOCAL: impairment of consciousness
FOCAL SEIZURE WITH SECONDARY GENERALISATION
2 types of generalised seizures
Convulsive or non-convulsive
Define status epilepticus
- prolonged seizure activity
- > / 5 mins (clinical)
- > / 30 mins (basic science) –> brain damage
- life-threatening emergency always
Describe cluster seizures
> / 2 seizures in a 24 hour period, very serious!
Name 4 classifications of seizures
- prodrome
- aura
- ictus
- post-ictal
Define prodrome
behaviour changes that occur hours or days before the seizure
Define aura
sensory/ focal onset seizures may start with a sensory experience such as a perceived smell or a feeling of deja vu. The existence of aura in animals is difficult to prove but owners often report a behavior change of their dog minutes before the ictus.
What is ictus?
the seizure event itsel
What is post-ictus?
neurological status alternations hours or days after the seizure
How can seizures be classified over time?
- self-limiting
- clustered or continuous (status epilepticus)
- reflexive
Describe a self-limiting seizure
= focal or generalised types
Describe a clustered or continuous (status epilepticus) seizure
= focal or generalised types
What causes a reflexive seizure?
a precipitating stimuli
Classic - CS - feline seizure
- lip smacking
- hypersalivation
- yowling (consider feline dementia as alternative ddx in older cats with this CS).
Name 5 events that can mimic seizures.
- syncope
- narcolepsy
- pain
- vestibular syndrome
- movement disorders (e.g. Scotty Cramp)