D.O.D #8 - Seizures Flashcards
tonic
stiffening
clonic
twitching/jerking - convulsion
meningismus
headache, neck stiffness, nausea/vomiting, photophobia
(symptoms of epilepsy) (clinical syndrome)
photophobia
eye discomfort in bright lights
GMS
Gran Mal Seizure
what is the difference between GMS and epilepsy
a seizure is a single occurrence; epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by two or more unprovoked seizures; epilepsy is genetic
what is seizure?
messages in your brain allow you to think, feel, and move. during a seizure, messages are disrupted in the brain causing electrical overload in all/part of the brain; when too many brain cells become excited at the same time
types of seizures
generalized and partical/focal
generalized seizure
brain has abnormal electrical activity on both sides of your brain/body
partial/focal seizure (most common)
electrical activity surges in one part of the brain/body
causes of seizures
high levels of salt and sugar in the blood (electrolytes), brain injury, genetic brain problems, brain tumor, dementia, high fever, illness, or infections, illegal dugs, withdraw from alcohol or drugs
signs of seizures:
simple staring spells, violent shaking and loss of consciousness, seeing flashing lights or hallucinations, feel strange sensations (i.e. smell a nonexistent odor), and emotional changes
exams and tests:
tests to rule out medical causes (ex. stroke), blood tests, CT or MRI scans, EEG (charts brain activity), spinal tap (needle inserted into spinal canal)
treatment for seizures
depends on the cause, medication to prevent more seizures, plenty of sleep, keep regular schedule, avoid stress, avoid activities where syncope would be dangerous until seizures are unlikely to occur again
generalized seizure symptoms
muscle contractions, tonic-clonic movements, emesis, loss of control of bladder/bowels, a blank stare, syncope
