Seizures

Question 1

What are the two classes of seizures

Answer 1

general, focal

Question 2

define prodromal

Answer 2

sensations/behavior changes that precede a seizure by hours/days

Question 3

define aural

Answer 3

warning of impending seizures (visual/odor disturbances)

Question 4

What are the types of generalized seizures

Answer 4

tonic-clonic, atypical absence, myoclonic, atonic, tonic, clonic

Question 5

tonic

Answer 5

loses consciousness but eyes open

Question 6

Define generalized seizure

Answer 6

Involves both sides of the brain. Most people lose consciousness

Question 7

clonic

Answer 7

uncontrolled shaking

Question 8

post-ictal phase

Answer 8

fish flop post seizure

Question 9

myoclonic

Answer 9

muscles in limbs/face jerk

Question 10

atonic

Answer 10

falls asleep

Question 11

atypical absence

Answer 11

Staring spell. May have some tics (lip jerking, fingering clothes), somewhat responsive, lasts 10-30 sec

Question 12

psychomotor

Answer 12

spinning

Question 13

tonic-clonic

Answer 13

loss of consciousness, falling to ground, body stiffens (tonic, lasts 10-20 sec) then jerking (clonic, lasts 30-40 sec)

Question 14

focal seizure

Answer 14

begins in 1 hemisphere of brain/specific region of cortex

manifestations based of area of brain involved

can spread to other side of brain and become generalized

in simple focal seizures the person may experience extreme emotions (anger, sadness) and/or experience sensations that aren’t there (taste, smell, hearing)

Question 15

siatus epiliepticus

Answer 15

constant seizure activity when seizures occur in rapid succession without return to consciousness between seizures

ANY SEIZURE LASTING MORE THAN 5 MIN

Question 16

3 diagnostic studies used to Dx epilepsy

Answer 16

accurate, comprehensive PMH r/t seizures

Electroencephalography (EEG)

CBC, serum chemistries, liver and kidney function, UA to rule out metabolic disorders

CT/MRI in new-onset seizure to rule out structural lesion

Question 17

T/F: There’s a cure for seizures

Answer 17

F, only drug therapy aimed at preventing seizures

Question 18

Describe the mechanism of action

Answer 18

decreases the rate at which Na enters the cell

inhibit calcium flow into cell

increase the effect of inhibitrory

Question 19

what are the primary drugs used to treat seizures

Answer 19

dilantin, tegretol, phenobarbital, depakote

Question 20

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Question 21

How do you treat status epilepticus

Answer 21

Rapid-acting IV meds (benzodiazepines aka lorazepam (ativan) or diazepam (valium)

Then IV long acting drug such as phenytoin/phenobarbital (barbiturate)

Question 22

How can surgery help epilepsy

Answer 22

Remove lobe of epileptic focus to prevent spread

remove one lobe (usually temporal) or cortex, or separation of two hemispheres (corpus callosotomy)

Question 23

What diet can help

Answer 23

keto, protien also restricted

Question 24

what position do you put your pt in when having a seizure

Answer 24

lateral recumbent

Question 25

When should a family member call 911?

Answer 25

if the seizure is prolonged, the pt has a second seizure, first-time seizure,