Epilepsy Flashcards
(18 cards)
Seizure =
Occurs when there is temporary abnormal electrical activity in a group of brain cells that may spread to involve other parts of the brain.
Seizure Clinical Features
- Duration of a few seconds or minutes; most are self-terminating
- involuntary changes in body movement or function, sensation, awareness or behaviour
Seizure can be broadly divided into:
- Epilepsy (or epileptic seizures)
- Other seizures
Epilepsy =
Group of disorders characterised by a tendency to have recurring unprovoked seizures.
Types of Epilepsy:
Active Epilepsy
Refractory Epilepsy
Status Epilepticus
Active Epilepsy =
Occurrence of an epileptic seizure in the last 2 years;
or
Where patient taking medication to prevent further epileptic seizures
Refractory Epilepsy =
Inadequate control of seizures despite optimal treatment
Status Epilepticus =
Rare but serious condition where epileptic seizures continue either constantly (>5mins) or repeatedly over a period of 30 minutes or more.
Causes of Non-Epileptic Seizures
Fever (febrile convulsions)
Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose)
Withdrawal of alcohol in alcohol dependency
Classification of Epilepsy
Partial epileptic seizures
Generalised epileptic seizures
Partial epileptic seizures =
Abnormal electrical activity restricted to a focal area in the brain
Generalised epileptic seizures =
Abnormal electrical activity throughout the cerebral hemispheres
May develop from Partial epileptic seizures, or arise De novo
Causes of Epilepsy
- 66% of epilepsy has an unknown cause
- Genetic Predisposition
- Acquired Illness
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Cerebral neoplasms
- Alcohol-related brain damage
- Post-traumatic brain damage
Diagnosis of Epilepsy
Made when a patient has 2 or more unprovoked seizures
Impact of Epilepsy Diagnosis
Person who has suffered an epileptic attack whilst awake must refrain from driving for 1 year from the date of the attic before a driving license may be issued
To drive Large Goods Vehicles or Passenger Carrying Vehicles driver must be free from any epileptic attack and not required medication to treat epilepsy for a period of 10years preceding date when licence granted.
Decreased employment opportunities and earning potential
Can be associated with memory loss
Social Stigma
Epilepsy Prognosis
Pt with refractory epilepsy are at risk of sudden death
Around 70% of patients with epilepsy will go into remission over a period of years.
Partial epileptic seizures - Example
Temporal lobe epilepsy
- > abnormalities of taste or smell
- > psychic disturbances e.g. deja vu
Occipital lobe epilepsy
-> abnormal visual perceptions e.g. balls of lights or coloured patterns
Generalised epileptic seizures - Example
Grand Mal Epilepsy
