Seizures OVERVIEW Flashcards

1
Q

Epilepsy

A

Epilepsy is a disorder that results from the surges in electrical signals inside the brain, causing recurring seizures

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2
Q

Convulsion

A

Involuntary violent spasm of large muscles of the face, neck, arms, and legs

NOT the same as a seizure

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3
Q

Etiologies of Seizure Activity

A
  1. Most common serious neurologic problem affecting Children
  2. May present as an acute situation, or they may occur on a chronic basis
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4
Q

Causes of Seizures and/or Epilepsy

A
  1. Infectious diseases
  2. Trauma
  3. Metabolic disorders
  4. Vascular diseases
  5. Pediatric disorders
  6. Neoplastic Disease
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5
Q

Epilepsy

A

Seizures occurring chronically

  1. Partial (focal) involves one side of the brain
  2. Generalized involves both sides of the brain
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6
Q

Epilepsy and Pregnancy

A

Several anti-seizure drugs decrease effectiveness of oral contraceptives

Category D

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7
Q

Eclampsia

A

severe hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, characterized by seizures, coma, and perinatal mortality

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8
Q

Status Epilepticus

A

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

  • Continuous seizure activity, which can lead to coma and death
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9
Q

Anti-seizure medication

A

Pt placed on low dose and gradually increased

-If seizure activity remains, different med added in small increments

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10
Q

FDA warning for Anti-seizure meds

A

Popular anti-seizure examples found to almost double risk of suicidal behavior and ideation

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11
Q

Anti-seizure Drug

-Goal

A

Suppress neuronal activity enough to prevent abnormal or repetitive firing

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12
Q

Anti-seizure Drug

-Mechanisms (3)

A
  1. Stimulating an influx of chloride ions
  2. Delaying an influx of Sodium
  3. Delaying an influx of Calcium
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13
Q

Withdrawal of Anti-seizure Meds

A
  • Should be seizure free at least 3 years
  • Withdraw gradually over several months
  • Resume meds if seizure returns
  • Be aware of REBOUND SEIZURES
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14
Q

Drugs that Potentiate GABA Action

A

Predominant effect of GABA potentiation is CNS depression

  1. Barbiturates
  2. Benzodiazepines

Suppress the firing ability of neurons

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15
Q

Assessment for Epilepsy

-Nursing Process

A
  1. History of Seizure activity
  2. Allergies and drug history
  3. Knowledge of disease process and drug therapy
  4. Pt lifestyle
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16
Q

Epilepsy

-Nursing diagnosis

A
  1. Low self-esteem RT disease effects
  2. Impaired Social Interaction RT disease, lack of seizure control
  3. Deficient Knowledge RT drug therapy
  4. Risk for Injury RT seizures or adverse drug effects
17
Q

Epilepsy

-Implementation

A
  1. Monitor neuro status
  2. Ensuring lab values in normal range
  3. Pt teaching about disease and drugs and care during seizures
18
Q

Seizure

A

Disturbance of electrical activity in the brain that may affect consciousness, motor activity, and sensation