Seizures

Question 1

Seizures=

Answer 1

=Sudden, uncontrolled, excessive discharge of neurons in brain

Question 2

Seizure = epilepsy, true or false

Answer 2

*not everyone who has a seizure has epilepsy

Epilepsy=Two or more seizures

Question 3

3 causes of epilepsy

Answer 3

1. Abnormal neuron activity
   
   2. Imbalance of neurotransmitters
   3. both

Question 4

3 BROAD categories of seizures

Answer 4

• Generalized
• Focal (Partial)
• Unclassified

Question 5

6 classifications of generalized seizures

Answer 5

• Tonic-clonic
• Tonic
• Clonic
• Myoclonic
• Atonic
• Absence

Question 6

Difference b/w primary and secondary seizure

Answer 6

Primary = Not associated with any specified cause
Secondary = Identified cause
Tumors
Trauma
*Alcohol detox, if have seizure during detox very likely will have seizure next detox
Fever
Electrolyte imbalances

Question 7

Why don’t want seizure lasting >5 minutes?

Answer 7

-risk of hypoxia and hypoglycemia

Question 8

define the duration and phases of tonic clonic seizure.

Answer 8

• Lasts 2-5 minutes
• Begins with tonic phase (rigidity of muscles and loss of consciousness)
• Tonic phase followed by clonic (rhythmic jerking of all extremities)
• Postictal phase (fatigue, confusion that can last up to an hour after event)

Question 9

tonic clonic vs myoclonic- which has loss of consciousness?

Answer 9

tonic clonic has loss of consciousness

Question 10

what is a myoclonic seizure?

Answer 10

• Brief jerking or stiffening of extremities
• May occur in a single muscle or in groups of muscles, person is awake
• There is usually no loss of consciousness or confusion

Question 11

what is an atonic seizure?

Answer 11

• Sudden loss of muscle tone
• Lasts for seconds
• Injurious
• Followed by postictal period

Question 12

2 types of focal seizures

Answer 12

1. With Impairment of consciousness (Complex partial seizures)
2. Without Impairment of consciousness (Simple partial seizures)

Question 13

what is an absence seizure?

Answer 13

causes you to blank out or stare into space for a few seconds

Question 14

characteristics of Focal Onset With Impairment of consciousness (Complex partial seizures)

Answer 14

• Impaired consciousness- cannot follow commands
• automatism- repeated action, lip smacking
• Lasts 1-3 minutes
• Followed by postictal period of amnesia

Question 15

Focal Onset Without Impairment of consciousness (simple partial seizure)

Answer 15

Awake/ no loss of consciousness

• Pre-seizure aura–> occurs before generalized seizure
• Movement of an extremity on one side
• Unusual sensations
• Autonomic changes

Question 16

a focal seizure beins….

Answer 16

in part of one cerebral hemisphere

Question 17

another word for aura =

Answer 17

focal seizure

Question 18

characteristics of unclassified seizure

Answer 18

• Idiopathic
• About 50% of all seizures
• No identifiable reason
• Does not fall into generalized or partial seizures classifications

Question 19

diagnostics for seizure

Answer 19

EEG
CT
MRI
PET scan
Epilepsy Center

Question 20

List what you do for seizure precautions

Answer 20

*Access to Airway-put in higher level of care, intubation box
*Suction
*Oxygen
*IV Access
*Bed in low position- prevent injury
Padded Bedrails

Question 21

Patient positioning during seizure

Answer 21

Turn on Side

Move objects away from person’s head (Prevent injury)

Question 22

What is nurse doingduring seizure

Answer 22

• Observe and stay with patient during seizure!
• keep safe
• document timing/what is happening

Question 23

patient ed for seizure meds

Answer 23

take at same time everyday

Question 24


Status Epilepticus

Answer 24

=A seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes

Question 25

causes of status epilepticus

Answer 25

Cessation of anticonvulsant drugs
Alcohol or drug withdrawal
Infection
Head trauma
Cerebral edema
Metabolic disturbances

Question 26

Status Epilepticus treatment

Answer 26

• Treated Acutely with IV lorazepam or IV Dilantin
• Airway is priority
• Give loading doses to get therapeutic level up