Week 4: Seizure Disorders & Epilepsy

Question 1

Definition: What is a seizure?

Answer 1

Abnormal explosive discharge of neurons. Sudden disruption in brain electrical function.

Question 2

Definition: What is a convulsion?

Answer 2

Old term; involuntary VIOLENT spasms of muscles (face, neck, arms, legs)

**Some seizures involve convulsions, BUT NOT ALL!

Question 3

Definition: What is epilepsy?

Answer 3

2+ seizures occurring more than 24 hrs apart

Question 4

Definition: What is epilepsy syndrome?

Answer 4

Seizure associated with ABNORMAL findings on EEG & MRI; occur together in pattern.

Things that are noted:
- age
- time of day
- triggers
- type of seizures

Question 5

How are seizures classified? (3)

Answer 5

1. Origin of seizure (focal or generalized?)
2. Degree of awareness
3. Level of body movement

Question 6

What is an aura?

Answer 6

A “funny feeling” someone gets before they have a seizure; dizzy, numb…

Question 7

Definition: What is a focal seizure?

Answer 7

Neurons unilaterally; one part of brain, but can spread to both. Aura is common.

Question 8

What are the types of FOCAL seizures? (5)

Answer 8

1. Tonic
2. Atonic
3. Myoclonic
4. Tonic-clonic
5. Hyperkinetic

Question 9

What consists of a Tonic seizure?

Answer 9

• stiff body muscles w/falling
• LOC :(

Question 10

What consists of an atonic seizure?

Answer 10

• sudden brief loss of muscle tone w/falling
• usually no LOC :)

Question 11

Neurons unilaterally applies to:

Answer 11

Focal seizures

Question 12

Neurons bilaterally applies to:

Answer 12

Generalized seizures