seizures

Question 1

focal seizure types x2

Answer 1

focal aka partial = one side

1. simple partial
2. complex partial

Question 2

simple partial seizure

Answer 2

• aware throughout, can’t speak
• NO post-ictal state
• areas:
• • motor
• • autonomic (poo/pee)
• • psych (doom feels)
• • sensory

Question 3

complex partial seizure

Answer 3

aka secondary generalized (complex = impaired consciousness, partial = limited brain area)

• simple progresses into full LOC
• awake/unaware (daze)
• automatisms (lip smack, clothes pick)

Question 4

generalized seizures x5

Answer 4

bilateral, LOC, motor, no memory

1. tonic
2. clonic
3. absence
4. atonic
5. myoclonic

Question 5

generalized tonic seizure

Answer 5

body contracts
cyanotic
less than one minute

Question 6

generalized clonic seizure

Answer 6

rhythmic spasm, less than 2 minutes

Question 7

generalized absence seizure

Answer 7

NO MOTOR

brief LOC - blank

Question 8

generalized atonic seizure

Answer 8

“drop attack” - brief loss of tone

Question 9

generalized myoclonic seizure

Answer 9

hit by lightning body jerks, brief increase of tone

Question 10

status epilepticus

Answer 10

2+ discrete seizures w no full recovery or consciousness

convulsive (myoclonic, clonic, tonic clonic, simple or complex partial)

VERSUS

non-convulsive (seizure activity on EEG but no observable sx - partial or absence)

Question 11

best tx for generalized seizures

Answer 11

phosphenytoin

Question 12

status tx

Answer 12

ASAP - esp @ 5 minutes of continuous seizing

benzo = 1st line (Lorazepam)

Question 13

non-convulsive status tx

Answer 13

valproate