Neuro: seizure Types

Question 1

Status Epilepticus

Answer 1

Medical emergency. M/c caused by subtheraputic antiepileptic levels, anoxia or hypoxia, preexisting neurologic conditions, metabolic abnormalities, acute stroke, alcohol or drug intoxication or withdrawal.

Question 2

Focal Aware (partial)

Answer 2

*retains consciousness
*remember the details of the seizure
*motor or non-motor

Question 3

Focal impaired awareness

Answer 3

*loss of consciousness
*begin with aura
*motionless stare
*automatisms
*postictal confusion

Question 4

Absence seizures

Answer 4

*appears like daydreaming commonly misidagnosed ADHD
*lasts for seconds
*lapse in consciousness
*no loss of postural control
EEG: Burst of generalized, symmetric, 3 Hz spike and slow wave.

Question 5

Tonic Clonic seizures

Answer 5

*“Ictal cry”
*incontinence
*tongue biting
*cyanotic
*post ictal confusion
*two phases: 1. Rigid (tonic) &LOC-trunk and extremities extended. 2. Jerking (clonic)-symmetric rhythmic movement

Question 6

Myoclonic

Answer 6

*no LOC
*sudden brief muscle contraction
*can be physiologic or pathological (metabolic disorders, CNS disease, anoxic brain injury)
EEG: bilateral synchronous brief bursts high amplitude, irregular spike, or poly spike and wave activity.

Question 7

Tonic Seizures

Answer 7

*rare
*sudden LOC
*rigid posture
*lasts 10-20 seconds
*no post ictal confusion
EEG: Low amp, generalized, fast discharge

Question 8

Febrile seizures

Answer 8

*m/c in children 6 months-5yrs)
*occur in setting of fever (>100.4)
*m/c with viral infections

Question 9

Epilepsy

Answer 9

Recurrent, unprovoked seizures associated with abnormal neuronal activity.
*must have 2+ seizures >24 hours apart to be diagnosed
EEG: focal or generalized epileptiform discharges