Week 2: Seizures

Question 1

what are seizures

Answer 1

• a symptoms of dysfunction in the brain
• a brief paroxysmal clinical manifestation of abnormal processes in the brain

Question 2

what are seizures caused by

Answer 2

spontaneous & excessive discharge of neurons in the brain (disruption of electrical connectivity of the brain)

Question 3

what may occur that leads to a seizure

Answer 3

inflammation
hypoxia
bleeding in the brain

Question 4

what are seizures manifested by

Answer 4

involuntary repetitive movements or abnormal sensations

Question 5

what are some precipitating factors for seizures

Answer 5

physical stimuli: loud noises, bright lights,

biochemical stimuli: hyponatremia, hypernatremia, stress, excessive premenstrual fluid retention, hypoglycemia, change in medication, hyperventilation

Question 6

what are seizure disorders classified by

Answer 6

location in brain
clinical features

Question 7

what are the 2 main categories of seizure disorders

Answer 7

localized (partial)
generalized

Question 8

generalized onset

Answer 8

widespread onset with abnormal discharges synchronized throughout all or most of the brain from onset

Question 9

partial onset

Answer 9

onset in specific restricted area
distinct meds

Question 10

what are the types of generalized seizures

Answer 10

absence (petit mal)
tonic-clonic
myoclonic

Question 11

what are the types of partial/localized seizures

Answer 11

simple
complex (psychomotor)

Question 12

continuous seizures

Answer 12

increased metab of glucose and o2
can be life threatening

Question 13

simple partial seizures

Answer 13

manifested by: repeated jerky movement of sensation such as tingling that spread

• usually involve 1 hemisphere
• consciousness not lost
• auditory or visual experience may occur (AURA)
• signs and symptoms depend on are involved

Question 14

complex partial seizures

Answer 14

• begins localized and may progress
• AURA
• bizarre behaviour
• visual/auditory hallucinations
• consciousness is impaired
• confusion in common in postical state

Question 15

absence seizure

Answer 15

• disturbance in consciousness, non-convulsive
• blank stare, motionless, unresponsiveness
• difficult to tell apart from complex without an EEG

Question 16

myoclonic seizure

Answer 16

brief
involuntary muscle contractions induced by stimuli to cerebrum

Question 17

tonic-clonic seizures

Answer 17

• most common major motor seizure
• begins with simple partial seizure or AURA –> loss of consciousness

ex. common with febrile fever

Question 18

tonic phase

Answer 18

• tonic contraction and extension of muscles (stiffening)
• abdominal and thoracic muscles contract –> forcing air out of lungs
• jaws clench tightly and respiration ceases

Question 19

clonic phase

Answer 19

• rhythmic, bilateral contraction and relaxation of the extremities (jerking)
• increased salivation and bowel/bladder incontinence
• contractions subside and consciousness regained gradually

Question 20

postical phase

Answer 20

lethargic
confused
can be agressive
sleepy

Question 21

status epilepticus

Answer 21

• continuous seizures without recovery of consciousness
• can cause permanent neuronal damage
• may lead to respiratory failure and death
• Medical Emergency

Question 22

how are seizures treated

Answer 22

treatment of primary cause
anticonvulsant drugs