Seizures

Question 1

what is a seizure

Answer 1

a neuron misfiring in the brain

Question 2

seizures are often r/t an underlying condition

Answer 2

yes - when underlying condition resolves seizures stop (hypoglycemia/febrile/alcohol withdraw)

Question 3

what is epilepsy

Answer 3

a CHRONIC seizure disorder without identifiable reason

Question 4

are seizures in epilepsy recurrent

Answer 4

yes

Question 5

recurrent seizures in epilepsy MAY present with

Answer 5

altered LOC
convulsions
behavior abnormalities

Question 6

what causes seizures

Answer 6

metabolic
toxicological
intra-cranial (brain tumor, IICP)
extra-cranial (high fever, low blood sugar)

Question 7

if seizure goes on for long period of time what could happen in the brain

Answer 7

scar tissue could form in the brain

Question 8

patho of epilepsy

Answer 8

neurons undergo spontaneous firing - firing can spread to other areas of the brain

Question 9

generalized seizure occurs where

Answer 9

a seizure effecting both sides of the brain

Question 10

a partial seizure occurs where

Answer 10

in one hemisphere of the brain (localized)

Question 11

why are seizures so dangerous

Answer 11

blackouts cause injuries

increase oxygen demands in brain causing hypoxia

Question 12

status epilepticus

Answer 12

seizure not letting up or clusters of seizures

leading to brain death

Question 13

social effects of seizures

Answer 13

license revoked for a period of time(depend on state)
stigmas
employment discrimination (driving)

Question 14

what determines seizure symptoms

Answer 14

location of seizure extent of spreading/size

Question 15

grande
petite
a
tonic
mal

Answer 15

big
small
none - without
stiffening of muscle
bad

Question 16

seizures progress through different stages, t or f

Answer 16

true

Question 17

2 classifications of seizures

Answer 17

partial and generalized

Question 18

difference in consciousness, partial vs generalized seizures

Answer 18

partial - conscious

general - unconscious

Question 19

tonic-clonic (generalized) seizure is often referred to as a

Answer 19

grand mal seizure (big and bad)

b/l (2 areas or more firing at the same time)

Question 20

s/s of tonic-clonic seizure

Answer 20

stiffening of muscle (stiff/relax)
frothing at the mouth
tongue biting
apnea
loss of consciousness
often have episode of consciousness

Question 21

what are pt at risk for w/tonic-clonic seizure

Answer 21

secondary injury

aspiration (chest x-ray)

Question 22

what is the ictal state of seizure

Answer 22

having an actual seizure

Question 23

what is the post-ictal state of seizure

Answer 23

minutes to hours after seizure

Question 24

what are s/s of pt post-ictal tonic-clonic seizure

Answer 24

lethargy, hungry, confusion

Question 25

what should we recommend post-ictal tonic-clonic seizure

Answer 25

sleeping

Question 26

absence (generalized) seizure is often referred to as

Answer 26

petit mal seizure (small and bad) "daydreaming seizures"

Question 27

*absence seizures are typically found in this population

Answer 27

children (school-aged to adolescence)

Question 28

s/s of absence seizure

Answer 28

very quick - hard to miss | daydreaming/zoning out in class

Question 29

what area of the brain is affected with absence seizure

Answer 29

both hemispheres of the brain

Question 30

triggers for absence seizures

Answer 30

``` flashing lights (video games) hyperventilation (running on playground) ```

Question 31

2 types of generalized seizures (prototypes)

Answer 31

tonic-clonic | absence

Question 32

3 types of partial seizures

Answer 32

simple complex secondarily generalized

Question 33

s/s of simple seizures

Answer 33

report dejavu prior to seizure conscious - but altered if seizure is on rt, s/s appear on lt side of body (jerking)

Question 34

s/s of complex seizures

Answer 34

altered LOC - foggy but conscious(non-communicative) r/t temporal lobe involvement lip-smacking

Question 35

what is a secondarily generalized seizure

Answer 35

starts as partial seizure, goes into generalized

Question 36

s/s of secondarily generalized seizure

Answer 36

bilateral hemisphere involvement | aura

Question 37

is secondarily generalized seizure common

Answer 37

yes - but often undiagnosed (missed first s/s)

Question 38

think of this term with secondarily generalized seizures

Answer 38

Todd's paralysis

Question 39

s/s of Todd's paralysis r/t secondarily generalized seizure

Answer 39

focal deficits w/some hemi-plegia resolving after 36hrs easy to mis-diagnose as a stroke hypoxia - perm. brain damage - death

Question 40

what is status epilepticus

Answer 40

grand mal seizure on steroids

Question 41

most dangerous seizure you can have

Answer 41

status epilepticus - neurons exhaust - brain damage

Question 42

is a status epilepticus seizure a neurologic emergency

Answer 42

yes - requires intervention

Question 43

what intervention can we do for status epilepticus

Answer 43

benzos IV

Question 44

what is a sub-clinical seizure

Answer 44

abnormal electrical process going on - suppressed by pharmacological agent

Question 45

what is a psychogenic seizure

Answer 45

psychological in nature - make you think they are having (urinate on self)