Seizure Disorders

Question 1

what are seizures

Answer 1

episodes of abnormal motor, sensory, autonomic, psychic or combination due to discharges of excessive electrical impulses from cerebral neurons

Question 2

causes of seizures (10)

Answer 2

1. Cerebrovascular disease
2. hypoxemia of any cause
3. Fever (children)
4. head injury
5. hypertension
6. CNS infections
7. brain tumor
8. drug or alcohol withdrawal
9. allergies
10. metabolic and toxic conditions

Question 3

what is epilepsy

Answer 3

unprovoked recurring seizures, at least 2 episodes of seizures in 24 hours

Question 4

s/s of seizure

Answer 4

s/s depend on the location of the discharging neurons
• Fingers or hand shaking; mouth may jerk uncontrollably; talking unintelligibly; dizziness;
• May experience unusual sights, sounds, odors, or taste;

Question 5

how do we diagnose a seizure

Answer 5

EEG (electroencephalogram): measures the electrical impulses in the brain but only while seizure is active

CT and MRI of the head too but not as important

Question 6

pathway of s/s active seizure

Answer 6

1. generalized seizures- intense rigidity of the whole body
2. alternating muscle relaxation and contraction (may produce “epileptic cry” - not a sign of pain, just a reflex of the diaphragm contracting and relaxing)
3. Tongue is often chewed; incontinence
4. convulsive movement stops
5. patient relaxes, with noisy breathing
6. Post-tictal = confused and hard to arouse and may sleep

Question 7

what is status elipepticus

Answer 7

• Acute prolonged seizure activity

* This is a medical emergency

Question 8

risk factors of status elipepticus

Answer 8

1. Interruption of anti-convulsant medications
2. Fever (especially for children)
3. Concurrent infection
4. Other concurrent illness