Epilepsy Flashcards
What is a seizure?
A sudden, irregular discharge of electrical activity in the brain, causing a physical manifestation such as sensory disturbance, unconsciousness, or convulsions
What is a convulsion?
Uncontrolled shaking molecules of the body due to rapid and repeated contraction and relaxation of muscles
What is an aura?
A perceptual disturbance experienced by some prior to a seizure, e.g. a strange light, unpleasant smell, confusing thoughts
What is epilepsy?
A neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, LOC, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain
When can epilepsy be diagnosed when there is only a single episode?
If high underlying risk through past medical history or family history
What is status epilepticus?
Epileptic seizures occuring continuously without recovery of consciousness in between
What broad categories are seizures categorised into?
- Partial, or focal
- Generalised
What are focal seizures categorised into?
- Simple
- Complex
What are generalised seizures classified into?
- Absense
- Myoclonic
- Tonic-clonic
- Tonic
- Atonic
What is the difference between focal and generalised seizures?
In focal, a small area of the brain is involved. In generalised, the whole brain is involved
What is meant by a simple partial seizure?
One where there is no loss of consciousness
What is meant by a complex partial seizure?
One where consciousness is impaired
What are the types of epilepsies causing partial seizures?
- Temporal lobe epilepsy
- Frontal lobe epilepsy
When does temporal lobe epilepsy present?
In the 1st/2nd decade in most people
What does temporal lobe epilepsy follow?
Seizure with fever, or early injury to the brain
What auras might you get with temporal lobe epilepsy?
- Auditory hallucinations
- Rush of memories
What are the stages of tonic clonic seizures?
- 1st part is tonic
- 2nd part is clonic
What happens in myoclonic seizures?
Brief, shock-like muscle jerks
What happens in atonic seizures?
Drop attacks
What investigations are done in epilepsy?
- Clinical history
- EEG
- MRI
What information is needed about before the seizure in the clinical history?
- PMH
- Family history
- Aura
- First sign/symptom
What information about during the seizure is required in the clinical history?
- Description of seizure
- Duration
- Abrupt or gradual end
What information about after the seizure is required in the clinical history?
- Post-ictal state
- Tongue biting
- Incontinence
- Neurological deficit
What are the vascular differential diagnoses for epilepsy?
- Stroke
- TIA
