Epilepsy Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by spontaneous and recurrent disruptions of ordinary brain activity, leading to epileptic seizures.
What is a seizure?
A seizure is a transient paroxysm of uncontrolled discharges, beginning at the epileptic focus, causing an event discernible by the person experiencing it and/or an observer.
What percentage of people will experience a seizure in their lifetime?
5-6% of people will experience a seizure at some point in life.
What is the prognosis for epilepsy?
The prognosis is generally good; 70-80% of patients become seizure-free, about 50% can successfully withdraw medication, and 20-30% have chronic epilepsy.
What are the main causes of epilepsy?
Common causes include cerebrovascular disease, tumors, genetic conditions, alcohol, drugs, head trauma, and post-infective causes.
What are the risk factors for seizures?
Risk factors include disturbed levels of water/electrolytes, blood glucose, altered blood gases, raised body temperature, altered sleep patterns, hormonal disturbances, heredity, toxicity, and tumors.
How is epilepsy diagnosed?
Diagnosis is difficult and requires a reliable account, often using EEG, MRI, and/or CT, but these are not conclusive alone.
What does EEG monitoring do?
EEG monitoring records the activity of populations of neurons and reveals synchrony of neuronal activity.
What are the two main groups of seizure types?
Seizures are classified into two main groups: generalized and focal (partial).
What is a tonic-clonic seizure?
A tonic-clonic seizure (Grand Mal) is the most common form, where the patient stiffens, falls, and convulses, lasting a few minutes.
What is status epilepticus?
Status epilepticus is a serious uncontrolled seizure, defined as a tonic-clonic seizure lasting 5 minutes or more or multiple seizures without regaining consciousness.
What are the main pharmacological treatments for epilepsy?
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) decrease the frequency and/or severity of seizures but do not resolve the underlying cause.
What is the goal of treating epilepsy?
The goal is to maximize quality of life by minimizing seizures and adverse drug effects.
What are non-drug treatments for epilepsy?
Non-drug treatments include surgery (e.g., resection, corpus callosotomy), Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), and ketogenic diets.
What precautions should be taken for epilepsy in pregnancy?
Pre-conception care includes folic acid supplementation, specialist advice, and establishing seizure control with the lowest possible dose of a single drug.
What is the Pregnancy Prevention Programme (PPP) for valproate?
Valproate must not be used in women or girls able to have children unless enrolled in a PPP, which requires effective contraception.
