Epilepsy Flashcards
(40 cards)
What is a seizure?
Sudden irregular discharge of electrical activity in the brain causing a physical manifestation
What is a convulsion?
Uncontrolled shaking movements of the body due to rapid and repeated contraction and relaxation of muscles
What is an aura?
A perceptual disturbance experienced
e. g
- strange light
- unpleasant smell
- confusing thoughts
What is epilepsy?
Neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, LOC or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain
What is status epilepticus?
Epileptic seizures occurring continuously without recovery of consciousness between
How are seizures classified?
Partial
General
How are partial seizures further classified?
Simple
Complex
How are general seizures further classified?
Absence Myoclonic Tonic-clonic Tonic Atonic
What is a partial seizure?
Seizure with a single focus
What is a generalised seizure?
Seizure spread uncontrolled throughout brain
What is a simple partial seizure?
No loss of consciousness
What is a complex partial seizure?
Loss of consciousness
What are common types of partial seizures?
Temporal lobe epilepsy
Frontal lobe epilepsy
What are the features of temporal lobe epilepsy?
Hallucinations
Automatisms
Rush of memories
What are features of frontal lobe epilepsy?
Head/leg movements
Posturing
Post-ictal weakness
What is a tonic-clonic seizure?
2 parts
- muscles tense
- convulsions
What is an absence seizure?
Loss of awareness
‘daydreaming’
What is a myoclonic seizure?
Brief shock-like muscle jerks
What is an atonic seizure?
Loss of tone
‘Drop attacks’
What is a tonic seizure?
Increased tone
What are other features of tonic-clonic seizures?
Pre-seizure aura
Tongue biting
Incontinence
Prolonged post ictal phase
How are seizures investigated?
EEG
MRI brain
ECG Bloods - FBC - U&Es - calcium
How are single seizures managed?
Confirm diagnosis
Establish cause
Discuss implications
How is the diagnosis of epilepsy made?
> 2 seizures in >24 hours
