Lecture 3- Epilepsy

Question 1

What is a seizure?

Answer 1

It is convulsion caused by epileptiform brain activity. It is the principal symptom in epilepsy.

Question 2

What is an isolated seizure?

Answer 2

These seizures are not considered to be epilepsy and the possible triggers are CNS infection or inflammation, stroboscopic lighting, metabolic dysfunction, head injury, fever, drug related.
But one or more seizures can increase a risk of epilepsy.

Question 3

List the different types of seizures.

Answer 3

Generalised - involves the whole brain
Partial - just one specific part of the brain
Secondary generalisation- partial seizures can spread to affect whole brain
Simple/Complex - whether consciousness is impaired/affected.

Question 4

What are the characteristics of a generalised tonic clonic seizures?

Answer 4

Limb extension and rigidity, respiration stops, defecation, micturation and salivation can occur.
Violent jerks can occur and patient gradually regain consciousness after a few minutes and is likely to feel confused, ill and disoriented.

Question 5

What are the characteristics of generalised absence seizures?

Answer 5

These are less physical but can occur more frequently. Patient will typically cease action, stares vacantly, unaware of surroundings, people and danger. Patient recovers quickly with no after effects.

Question 6

What are the effects of partial seizures?

Answer 6

Simple symptoms such as involuntary movements, abnormal sensory experiences but rarely lose consciousness.

Question 7

List the different pharmacological treatment for epilepsy.

Answer 7

Use of sodium channel blockers (carbamazepine, phenytoin)

Use of GABA (phenobarbitone, diazepam)