Seizures

Question 1

What is a seizure?

Answer 1

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain.

Question 2

True or False: All seizures are the same.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

What are the two main categories of seizures?

Answer 3

Generalized seizures and focal seizures.

Question 4

Fill in the blank: Seizures that affect both sides of the brain are known as __________ seizures.

Answer 4

generalized

Question 5

Name a type of generalized seizure.

Answer 5

Tonic-clonic seizure.

Question 6

What is a focal seizure?

Answer 6

A seizure that begins in one specific area of the brain.

Question 7

True or False: Absence seizures are a type of generalized seizure.

Answer 7

True

Question 8

What characterizes a tonic-clonic seizure?

Answer 8

It involves loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions.

Question 9

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of focal seizure? A) Simple partial B) Complex partial C) Tonic-clonic

Answer 9

C) Tonic-clonic

Question 10

Fill in the blank: A __________ seizure is characterized by a brief lapse of consciousness.

Answer 10

absence

Question 11

What is the typical duration of a seizure?

Answer 11

Most seizures last from a few seconds to a few minutes.

Question 12

True or False: Seizures can be triggered by flashing lights.

Answer 12

True

Question 13

What is a myoclonic seizure?

Answer 13

A seizure that causes brief, shock-like jerks of a muscle or group of muscles.

Question 14

Multiple Choice: Which type of seizure is characterized by muscle stiffness? A) Myoclonic B) Tonic C) Atonic

Answer 14

B) Tonic

Question 15

What is an atonic seizure?

Answer 15

A seizure that causes a sudden loss of muscle tone.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: Focal seizures can be divided into __________ and __________ types.

Answer 16

simple; complex

Question 17

What is the primary difference between simple partial and complex partial seizures?

Answer 17

Simple partial seizures do not impair consciousness, while complex partial seizures do.

Question 18

True or False: Seizures can occur without a known cause.

Answer 18

True

Question 19

What is the postictal state?

Answer 19

The period of confusion or fatigue following a seizure.

Question 20

Multiple Choice: Which type of seizure usually lasts longer? A) Absence B) Tonic-clonic

Answer 20

B) Tonic-clonic

Question 21

Fill in the blank: Seizures that originate in one hemisphere of the brain are known as __________ seizures.

Answer 21

focal

Question 22

What is the role of an EEG in seizure diagnosis?

Answer 22

An EEG measures electrical activity in the brain to help diagnose seizures.

Question 23

True or False: Seizures can only occur in individuals with epilepsy.

Answer 23

False

Question 24

What is the purpose of seizure medications?

Answer 24

To control and prevent seizures.

Question 25

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a common treatment for seizures? A) Surgery B) Chemotherapy C) Radiation

Answer 25

A) Surgery

Question 26

Fill in the blank: Seizures are often classified based on __________ and clinical features.

Answer 26

electroencephalographic

Question 27

What should you do after a seizure ends?

Answer 27

Stay with the patient until they are fully awake ## Footnote Reassure the person and speak comfortingly.

Question 28

What is crucial to determine during a seizure?

Answer 28

Time the seizure ## Footnote This helps to identify if it becomes a medical emergency.

Question 29

What should you do to protect a patient during a seizure?

Answer 29

Move objects away from the patient ## Footnote This helps prevent injury.

Question 30

What should be loosened around the patient's neck during a seizure?

Answer 30

Anything that might obstruct breathing ## Footnote This includes tight clothing or accessories.

Question 31

What should you NOT do during a seizure?

Answer 31

* Restrain the person * Put anything in their mouth ## Footnote These actions can cause harm.

Question 32

What is a seizure?

Answer 32

Sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain ## Footnote It can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, or consciousness.

Question 33

What are common causes of seizures?

Answer 33

* Head trauma * Stroke * Infection (e.g., meningitis) * High fever (especially in children) * Brain tumor * Drug or alcohol withdrawal * Electrolyte imbalances * Genetics * Unknown/idiopathic ## Footnote These factors contribute to seizure occurrence.

Question 34

What are the types of seizures?

Answer 34

* Tonic-Clonic (Grand Mal) Seizures * Focal (Partial) Seizures ## Footnote Each type has distinct characteristics.

Question 35

What characterizes Tonic-Clonic seizures?

Answer 35

* Muscle stiffening (Tonic phase) * Jerking movements (Clonic phase) * Loss of consciousness * Cyanosis * Excess salivation * Tongue/cheek biting * Incontinence ## Footnote If it lasts longer than 5 minutes, it is a medical emergency.

Question 36

What are the characteristics of Simple Focal seizures?

Answer 36

* Patient is awake and aware * Unusual emotions (joy, anger, sadness) * Sensory experiences not real ## Footnote These experiences can include unusual smells or sounds.

Question 37

What defines Complex Focal seizures?

Answer 37

* Altered awareness * Patient may appear awake but cannot interact * Repetitive movements ## Footnote Often described as dreamlike.

Question 38

What is Status Epilepticus?

Answer 38

Seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes ## Footnote It can lead to permanent brain damage and other serious complications.

Question 39

What diagnostic study detects abnormal brain activity?

Answer 39

EEG (Electroencephalogram) ## Footnote It is crucial for diagnosing seizure disorders.

Question 40

What are the general principles of seizure medications (AEDs)?

Answer 40

* May be lifelong * Never stop abruptly * Many require therapeutic drug levels ## Footnote Some patients can wean off after 1-2 years seizure-free.

Question 41

What is the black box warning for Phenytoin (Dilantin)?

Answer 41

Suicidal thoughts & behaviors ## Footnote This is a serious risk associated with this medication.

Question 42

What serious side effects are associated with Carbamazepine (Tegretol)?

Answer 42

* Aplastic anemia * Agranulocytosis * Allergic reaction ## Footnote These risks necessitate careful monitoring.

Question 43

List examples of medication categories for seizures.

Answer 43

* Barbiturates * Hydantoins * Iminostilbenes * Valproic Acid & Derivatives * Succinimides * Miscellaneous * Benzodiazepines ## Footnote Each category has different mechanisms and uses.

Question 44

What should a nurse monitor when a patient is on AEDs?

Answer 44

* Therapeutic levels * Liver and kidney function * Mental health changes ## Footnote Monitoring is essential for patient safety.

Question 45

Fill in the blank: Some AEDs can reduce the effectiveness of _______.

Answer 45

birth control ## Footnote Patients should be educated on this interaction.