week 4 - seizures Flashcards
What defines a seizure?
A seizure is an excessive and synchronous discharge of a group of cortical neurons leading to a clinically discernible event.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures.
Name the three features that classify seizures.
1) Onset (where they start in the brain)
2) Awareness (affected or not)
3) Symptoms (such as movement involvement)
What are the types of seizures?
1) Focal Onset
2) Generalized Onset
3) Unknown Onset
What tests are used to evaluate seizure disorders?
CT, MRI, EEG, serum anticonvulsant levels, and bloodwork.
What is the purpose of antiseizure medications?
o depress abnormal neuronal discharges and prevent the spread of seizures.
What is Status Epilepticus?
Prolonged seizures lasting more than 5 minutes or repeated seizures over 30 minutes—a medical emergency.
What is important to monitor when a patient is on antiseizure medications?
Renal and liver function, signs of toxicity, and maintaining therapeutic serum levels.
What should you do if a patient has a seizure?
Stay with them, protect their head, loosen clothing, do not restrain them, and turn them to the side if possible.
What safety measures should be taken for a patient at risk for seizures?
Oxygen and suction equipment, padded side rails, and a patent airway.
What are the four stages of a seizure?
1) Prodromal
2) Aura
3) Ictus
4) Postictal
What are key points to include in patient education for those on antiseizure medications?
Take medications as prescribed, avoid alcohol, wear a medical alert bracelet, and maintain good oral hygiene.
What are the four stages of seizures?
Prodromal, Aura, Ictus, Postictal.
What nursing interventions can support a patient with epilepsy?
Educate on safety, medication adherence, and strategies for stress management.
What factors can trigger seizures?
Sleep deprivation, stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, and noncompliance with medication.
What occurs during the Prodromal stage of a seizure?
Signs/symptoms that precede a seizure, such as mood changes, anxiety, or difficulty concentrating.
What is an Aura in relation to seizures?
A warning sign just before a seizure, which can include sensations like déjà vu, visual disturbances, or unusual smells.
What happens during the Ictus stage of a seizure?
The actual seizure activity, characterized by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to various symptoms depending on the seizure type.
Describe the Postictal stage of a seizure.
The recovery phase after a seizure, where the patient may feel exhausted, confused, or experience muscle soreness.
What are focal seizures?
Seizures that originate in one area of the brain and may affect awareness; they can involve motor or non-motor symptoms.
What defines generalized seizures?
Seizures that involve both sides of the brain from the onset, often affecting consciousness; includes types like tonic-clonic and absence seizures.
What are unknown onset seizures?
Seizures where the onset is unclear, and they may not fit into the categories of focal or generalized.
Name three features of focal seizures.
- Can occur with or without awareness.
- May cause involuntary movements.
- Can have sensory or autonomic symptoms.
Name three features of generalized seizures.
- Always involve loss of consciousness.
- Can cause muscle stiffening (tonic) and jerking (clonic).
- Typically last a few minutes.
What is the significance of the Ictus stage in a seizure?
It is when the seizure is occurring, and understanding its manifestations is crucial for appropriate intervention.
How can the Postictal state vary between individuals?
Recovery can include confusion, fatigue, headache, or complete disorientation, which can last minutes to hours.
