Unit 7: CNS Drugs.Seizures Flashcards
define epilepsy
electrical storm in the brain
define seizure
paroxysmal abnormal neuronal discharges
define convulsion
forceful, involuntary spasm/contraction
the motor manifestation of a seizure
define status epilepticus
a medical emergency as the patient could stop breathing
30+ minutes of a seizure w/o regaining consciousness
what are the 2 types of partial seizures?
simple and complex
define tonic-clonic seizures
classic seizure
formerly “grand mal”
tonic phase < 1 minute: abrupt LOC, muscle rigidity, respiratory arrest
clonic phase 2-3 min: muscle jerking, lip/tongue biting, fecal/urinary incontinence
define myoclonic seizures
single or multiple myoclonic jerks
myoclonus = quick, involuntary muscle jerk
e.g. hiccups
e.g. muscle twitch when falling asleep
define absence seizures
impaired consciousness
formerly “petit mal”
sometimes with automatisms
easy to miss
What anti-seizure drugs need serum bloodwork to assess for therapeutic range?
phenytoin carbamazepine valproic acid ethosuximide lamotrigine felbamate
What anti seizure drug can also treat nerve pain?
gabapentin
What is important to remember about pregnancy and many anti seizure drugs?
many are pregnancy class C or D
Carbamazepine has interactions with which drugs?
erythromycin grapefruit juice protease inhibitors allopurinol oral contraceptives warfarin
Name some serious adverse effects with carbamazepine
blood dycrasias:
aplastic anemia
agranulocytosis
define agranulocytosis
severe and dangerous leukopenia (low white blood cell counts)
serious adverse effects of valproic acid
pancreatitis
hepatitis