Week 4: Autism and Seizures

Question 1

Describe what seizure is versus what a convulsion is.

Answer 1

Seizure: abnormal behavior caused by electrical discharge from neurons in the cerebral cortex. Signs and symptoms vary according to the site of the discharge in the brain.

Convulsion: specific seizure type of a motor seizure involving the entire body.

Question 2

What is the pathophysiology regarding seizures?

Answer 2

There’s a disrupted balance between excitatory and inhibitory drive at the synaptic level.

Too much glutamatergic signaling and GABAergic signaling. They’re fighting each other. They’re unbalanced.

Alterations have occurred in cell membrane permeability or distribution of ions across neuronal cell membranes.

Question 3

Neurotransmitter imbalances such as ______ or _____ deficiency have been proposed as causes.

Answer 3

• acetylcholine excess
• y-aminobutyric acid

Question 4

Partial seizures affect all hemispheres. True or false.

Answer 4

False. Partial seizures only affect 1 hemisphere.

Question 5

Explain the differences with simple partial and complex partial seizures.

Answer 5

Simple Partial: no impairment in LOC

Complex partial: LOC

Question 6

Describe an absence seizure.

Answer 6

Temporary LOC, Blinking 3-5 seconds

Question 7

Describe atonic seizures.

Answer 7

“Drop attack” seizures.

Question 8

Describe myoclonic seizures.

Answer 8

short involuntary periods of muscle contraction (isolated or bilateral)

Question 9

Describe Tonic Seizures.

Answer 9

stiffness and tension in the arms, legs, or trunk.

Question 10

Describe Tonic-Clonic Seizures.

Answer 10

Stiffness, jerking, violent.

Known as “grand mal seizures”

Question 11

Describe what Status Epilepticus is.

Answer 11

It’s a continuous seizure that does not stop spontaneously. If it is untreated it can lead to death due to respiratory failure. It lasts longer than 5 minutes.

Question 12

What are 4 key points in the treatment plan for seizures?

Answer 12

1. Anti-epileptic drugs
2. Surgery to remove a small part of the brain that’s causing the seizures.
3. A procedure to put a small electrical device inside the body that can help control seizures.
4. A special diet (ketogenic diet) that can help control seizures.

Question 13

What are the 4 steps to care when someone is having a seizure?

Answer 13

• Safety
• Administer 1st aid
• Roll person onto their side and tilt chin upwards to assist with breathing
• Stay with them until the seizure ends naturally

Question 14

What are 3 things to monitor when someone has a seizure or had one?

Answer 14

Seizure frequency, duration, and triggers.

Question 15

What is Autism?

Answer 15

A neurobiological disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors affecting the developing brain.

Question 16

When does ASD has its onset?

Answer 16

Infancy or early childhood, it affects 1 in 68 children.

Question 17

Autistic behaviors may be first noticed as developmental delays or between the ages of?

Answer 17

12 and 36 months

Question 18

What are 3 other names for ASD?

Answer 18

1. Autistic Spectrum Condition
2. Pervasive Developmental Disorder
3. Asperger’s Syndrome

Question 19

What are 7 characteristic behaviors of ASD?

Answer 19

• little eye contact
• few facial expressions
• limited gestures to communicate
• limited capacity to relate to others
• lack of spontaneous enjoyment
• express no moods or emotional affect
• inability to engage in play or make-believe with toys

Question 20

What are the treatment goals in ASD?

Answer 20

Reduce behavioral symptoms; promote learning and development and maximize independence.

Question 21

What are the risk factors associated with ASD?

Answer 21

• advanced parental age at time of conception
• prenatal exposure to air pollution or pesticides
• maternal obesity, diabetes, or immune system disorders
• extreme prematurity or very low birth weight