Green Neuro Upload Flashcards
(325 cards)
what types of glutamate receptors are there
ionotropic (AMPA, NMDA, kainate) and metabotropic (quisqualate)
what types of GABA receptors are there
GABA A and GABA B: Gaba A is post synaptic and a Cl- channel; GABA B is pre-synaptic and is a K+ channel
where do benzos and barbiturates act
on GABA receptors
what are the cellular mechanisms of starting seizures?
too much exciting (inward Na and Ca channels); NT (glutamate, aspartate)
not enough inhibition (ionic 2/2 inward Cl- or outward K) or NT (GABA)
How are hyperexcitable networks formed? (i.e. seizure-generating networks)
excitatory neurons can have axonal sprouting (growth); there can be loss of inhibitory neurons; there can be loss of excitatory neurons that activate inhibitory neurons (loss of regulation)
how do we define epilepsy (ILAE definition)
- at least two unprovoked seizures > 24 hours apart OR one unprovoked seizure and 60% probability of seizure occuring in next 10 years OR diagnosis of epilepsy syndrome
what kinds of seizures may not need treatment long term?
generally, those with provoking cause- i.e. single seizure, febrile seizure, benign syndrome of childhood, simple partial seizure, impact seizure (TBI), provoked seizure
most common etiology of epilepsy?
unknown
common causes of seizures in children
febrile, congenitla, metabolic
common causes seizures in young adults
trauma and tumor
common causes seizure in elderly
stroke and degenerative changes
Absence (Generalized non motor) seizure features
school aged children; abrupt onset activity arrest and staring; brief, lasting 3-20 seconds bu return to normal abruptly. can happen many times throughout day.
EEG shows 3Hz spike wave, MRI usually will be normal. These tend to resolve by adolescence
General Motor (Myoclonic) Seizures
brief, shock like jerks of group of muscles;
these tend to be bilaterally synchronous, lasting < 1 second (hard to assess consciousness as a result).
repeat seizures can have impaired consciousness.
- these seizures are seen with other epilepsy syndromes and with progressive myoclonic epilepsy.
EEG will show 4-6 Hz polyspike wave
Generalized Motor- Tonic seizures
symmetric tonic muscle contraction- extremities and flexion of waist and neck; these will last 2-20 seconds (last longer than myoclonic).
on EEG- shows sudden attenuation with generalized, low voltage fast activity i.e. drop in EEG activity (common) or generalized polyspike wave.
Atonic (generalized onset) motor seizures
sudden loss postural tone–> two forms (severe- falls; mild head nods, jaw drops)
consciousness is typically impaired during this, lasting only seconds
general drug warnings with anti seizure meds
all anti seizure drugs have potential teratogenicity; all have high risk of suicide. Other genral risks incude eed to monitor blood and liver function (i.e. looking for anemia, increased LFTs). Can have cost issues and compliance issues
“old” anti seizure drugs include
phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazapine, and valproate; these generaly have higher side effects and require frug level monitoring
adverse effects seen with “old” anti seizure meds (phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazapine, and valproate) includes
bone marrow suppression, hepatic inflammation, rash, and SJS
what tests should be run to monitor if on an old anti seizure med
CBC (monitor for bone marrow suppression) , LFTs (Hepatic inflammation)
phenytoin MOA
blocks VG Na channels; aka Dilantin.
hepatic enzyme inducer
elderly individuals can’t tolerate as high a dose as adults
phenytoin side effects
gingical hyperplasia, hirsuitism, “coarsening” of featueres;
can have toxicity including cerebellar sx (ataxia, falls), cardiac arrythmia
Carbamazepine MOA
blocks VG Na channels; aka Tegretol
hepatic inducer
side effects of carbamazepine
can cause SIADH and hypOnatremia
toxic side effects of carbamazepine include
double vision and mental clouding