Epilepsy

Question 1

what is epilepsy

Answer 1

abnormal discharge of neurons in the brain

Question 2

what is epilepsy associated with

Answer 2

reduced GABA levels in the brain which leads to abnormal cell-cell message propagation

Question 3

what are febrile seizures

Answer 3

seizures the same as chronic epilepsy but only present in children during fevers

Question 4

how do you prevent febrile seizures

Answer 4

cool down
paracetamol
ibuprofen
remove clothes
cool sponging
cool bath

Question 5

what are the 2 main classifications of epilpesy

Answer 5

generalised and partial

Question 6

what are the types of generalised epilepsy

Answer 6

tonic/clonic, absence, myoclonic/atonic

Question 7

what are the types of partial stroke

Answer 7

simple partial, complex partial, simple sensory

Question 8

what are epilepsy triggers

Answer 8

idiopathic, trauma, CNS disease, social (late nights/flashing lights/alcohol)

Question 9

what does it mean if the epileptic focus is generalised

Answer 9

central focus which spreads signals out to all parts of the cortex so all parts of the body are involved

Question 10

what does it mean if the epileptic focus is partial

Answer 10

the focus is closer to one particular part of the cortex and will primarily affect this part

Question 11

what does an EEG record

Answer 11

electrical activity of brain

Question 12

what are the stages of the tonic clonic seizure

Answer 12

prodromal aura
loss of consciousness
initial tonic (stiff)
clonic (contraction/relaxtion)
post-ictal drowsiness

Question 13

what is status epilepticus

Answer 13

recurrent seizures one after the other

Question 14

what are petit mal seizures

Answer 14

short lived episodes of loss of awareness like vacant stares

Question 15

what can you do to help someone having a tonic clonic seizure

Answer 15

remove objects from mouth and try to prevent injury
use supplemental oxygen

Question 16

what are the precipitators for seizures

Answer 16

withdrawal, epileptogenic drugs (alcohol, SSRIs), fatigue/stress, infection, menstruation

Question 17

what is a jacksonian seizure

Answer 17

starts in extremities of upper limb and moves upwards

Question 18

what does a partial seizure affect

Answer 18

sensory modality, automatism

Question 19

what is the preventative treatment for epilepsy

Answer 19

anticonvulsants (carbamazepine for tonic clonic, levetiracetam for absence)

Question 20

what is emergency care for epilepsy

Answer 20

airway and oxygen
benzodiazepines for status epilepticus

Question 21

what is the action of sodium valproate

Answer 21

GABA transaminase inhibitor

Question 22

what is the action of benzodiazepines

Answer 22

GABA receptor action on CI enhanced

Question 23

what does carbamazepine do to the sodium channel

Answer 23

stabilises it

Question 24

what are the dental aspects of epilepsy

Answer 24

complications of fits (injuries/fractures)
complications of treatment (hyperplasia, bleeding, folate deficiency)

Question 25

what is the effect of phenytoin on the gingiva

Answer 25

gingival hyperplasia

Question 26

what questions do you need to ask an epileptic

Answer 26

when last 3 fits compliance with medication changes in medication