Epilepsy Flashcards
Definition of Epilepsy
Umbrella term – a constellation of different seizures and syndromes
types of seizures
- absence seizures (petit mal)
- tonic-clonic/convulsive seizures (grand mal)
- atonic seizures (drop attacks)
- clonic seizures
- tonic seizures
- myoclonic seizures
what are the main causes of seizures?
- Missed medication
- Lack of sleep/extreme fatigue
- Stress/anxiety
- Alcohol, illicit drugs
- Hormonal changes
- Menses
- Dehydration
- Photosensitivity
can a person get a seizure without an epilepsy diagnosis?
Yes.
main causes of seizures in adults?
Vascular lesions Head trauma Drug or alcohol abuse Neoplasia Infection Heredity
main causes of seizures in children
Birth and neonatal injuries Vascular insults other than above Congenital or metabolic disorders Head injuries Infection Neoplasia Heredity
the partial seizure categories
simple (no loss of consciousness)
complex (loss of consciousness)
Can lead to secondary generalised seizures
generalized seizure categories
convulsive
non-convulsive.
what is absence seizure?
Involves a brief disruption of consciousness
classification of seizures
Partial
Generalised
Unclassified
Prolonged/repetitve seizures
auditory, visual and olfactory hallucinations, loss of consciousness and psychomotor phenomena are symptoms of what type of seizure?
Complex partial seizures
what are the symptoms of generalized tonic-clonic seizures?
Complete loss of consciousness
- stiffening of body, jerks and then body going limp
what are one of the outcomes of ongoing seizures?
Ongoing seizures without surgery can contribute to memory decline
classification of seizures
Partial
Generalised
Unclassified
Prolonged/repetitive seizures
