Diseases of Human Systems - Neurology: Epilepsy Flashcards

1
Q

What is epilepsy?

A

Abnormal discharge of neurons which is associated with changes to GABA levels = abnormal message propagation.

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2
Q

Who suffers from febrile seizures?

A

Children - if they only have febrile seizures it doesn’t mean that they are epileptic

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3
Q

What are the symptoms of febrile seizures?

A

Fever

blue/red face

eyes roll upwards

loss of consciousness

muscles and limbs jerk in unnatural movements

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4
Q

How can we prevent febrile seizures in children?

A

When children are systemically ill and have a fever - keep them cool.

How can we do this?
Anti-pyretic medication
cold sponge
remove clothing

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5
Q

What are the two types of epilepsy?

A

Generalised

Partial

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6
Q

What are the subtypes of generalised epilepsy?

A

Tonic clonic
Absence
Myoclonic

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7
Q

What are the subtypes of partial epilepsy?

A

Simple partial
complex partial
Simple sensory

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8
Q

What can cause epilepsy?

A

Idiopathic

severe head trauma

CNS disease - degenerative vascular diseases, tumour, stroke, meningitis and encephalitis

Social - late nights and excessive tiredness, alcohol, flashing lights

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9
Q

What are the characteristics of tonic clonic generalised seizures?

A

Patient has an awareness of the seizure before it starts.
Lasts 1-3 minutes

Initial stiff phase
Then muscle contraction and relaxation (spasms)
Post-ictal drowsiness and further seizing

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10
Q

Why is continuous seizing dangerous?

A

breathing muscles do not function during a seizure so the patient would become hypoxic

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11
Q

How can we manage tonic clonic generalised seizures?

A

Protect the patient

Remove objects from within the mouth

Use supplemental oxygen

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12
Q

What is the major side effect of drugs used to treat epilepsy?

A

can cause pregnancy complications

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13
Q

What triggers tonic clonic generalised seizures?

A

Poor drug compliance

Epileptogenic drugs

Fatigue/stress

Infection

menstration

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14
Q

Name examples of epileptogenic drugs

A

GA

Alcohol

Tricyclics

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15
Q

What are the characteristics of absence/petit Mal generalised seizures?

A

Childhood
short lived 5-15 seconds

no obvious changes just fluttering eyelids, stops activity and is unresponsive.

Can happen multiple times in a day

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16
Q

Describe a partial seizure

A

Where the focus of the abnormal brain activity is closer to one specific are of the cortex

17
Q

What is a Jacksonian seizure?

A

When a seizure moves from one motor cortex area to another

18
Q

What are the characteristics of sensory partial seizure?

A

Visual/auditory changes
Altered taste/smell

Hard to know what is real and what is the seizure

19
Q

What are the characteristics of complex partial seizure?

A

Connected involuntary movements i.e. lip smacking and grimacing

These movements stop once the seizure finishes

20
Q

What drugs can be used to prevent seizures? (4)

A
Anticonvulsants:
sodium valproate 
carbamazepine 
phenytoin
lamotrigine
21
Q

What anticonvulsant works on sodium channels?

A

Carbamazepine

22
Q

What do most anticonvulsant drugs act on?

A

GABA receptors

23
Q

What is the emergency treatment of seizures?

A

supportive airways and oxygen when unconscious and then benzodiazepines if the seizure is prolonged

24
Q

What is it important to know when treating a patient with epilepsy?

A

Do they take their medication as required.

When was there last 3 seizures - triggers?

25
Q

phenytoin is a drug used to prevent seizures; name the important side effect relevant to dentistry. (1)

what other drugs cause this side effect? (2)

A

Gingival hyperplasia

Ca channel blockers - amlodipine
Immunosuppressants - cyclosporin

26
Q

how do we treat gingival hyperplasia - a side effect of phenytoin? (2)

A

gingivectomy

localised scaling