Epilepsy Flashcards
What is a seizure
A finite episode
What are some common seizure precipitants
Metabolicand/orElectrolyteImbalance • Stimulantorotherpro-convulsantintoxication • Sedativeorethanolwithdrawal • Sleepdeprivation • ReductionorinadequateASDtreatment • Hormonalvariations • Stress • Feverorsystemicinfection • Concussion and/o rclosed head injury
What are the common causes of epilepsy in children
genetic susceptibility Perinatal and neonata insults Staus epilepticus CNS infection Trauma
What are the most common causes of epilepsy in the elderly
Neoplasm CVA Neurodegenerative disorders Trauma Status epilepticus
What are the most common causes of epilepsy in adults
Trauma
Neonatal GEFS+
status epilepticus
Simple partial seizure is characterized by
must have all of these
Localized focus
Minimal spread
Normal awareness, memory and consciousness
Short duration (60-90 sec)
Complex partial seizures are characterized by
Localized onset but spreads often bilaterally
Awareness, memory and or consciousness are lost during seizure
Manifestations vary with site of origin and degree of spread.
Longer duration (15 sec-3 min)
Secondary generalized seizure are characterized by
Begin as simple and/or complex partial seizures.
Tonic and clonic phases
What is tonic
Stiffening
What is clonic
jerking
Absence seizures are often observed by
Grade school teachers
What is the ideal ASD
Effective for the seizure type Wide therapeutic index No organ toxicity No teratogenicity No drug-drug interactions Long half life No protein binding (only the unbound drug is effective) Water soluble No active metabolites
Why are newer drugs safer
fewer drug-drug interactions
What are the main mechanisms of ASDs
Enhancement of GABA mediated inhibitions
Reduction of excitatory transmission
Modification of ionic conductances
What is the danger with Carbamazepine
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
