Epilepsy: General

Question 1

Tonic-clonic (GRANDMAL)

Answer 1

Stiffening of limbs (tonic) with rhythmic jerking (clonic) simultaneously
- no aura
- tonic phase = RIGIDITY, FALL TO FLOOR
- clonic phase = JERKING OF LIMBS

Question 2

Tonic

Answer 2

Sudden stiffness or tension in muscles of arm, legs or trunk

Question 3

Clonic

Answer 3

Repeated jerking movements of arms or legs on one or both sides of the body

Question 4

Myoclonic

Answer 4

Some or all of the body suddenly twitches. Usually lasts less than a second

Question 5

Atonic

Answer 5

Sudden loss of muscle strength. Can cause a person to drop to the ground

Question 6

Management

Answer 6

FIRST LINE = SODIUM VALPORATE

Question 7

Side effects of SV (WHAATPTC)

Answer 7

Weight gain
Hepatitis
Alopecia
Ataxia
Tremor
Pancreatitis
Teratogenic
CYP450 inhibitor

Question 8

Mechanism of SV

Answer 8

Increases GABA concentrations

Question 9

Absent seizures

Answer 9

Childhood
Moments of STARING BLANKLY INTO SPACE then carrying on where they left off
* 3Hz spike on EEG *