Seizures/Epilepsy Flashcards
(176 cards)
How is epilepsy diagnosed?
electroencephalogram (EEG)
What drugs can cause seizures?
* high-doses and/or renal impairment increase risk
- Opioids (tramadol, meperidine)*
- Quinolones/mefloquine
- Carbapenems*
- Cephalosporins*
- PCNs*
- Bupropion/ TCAs*
- antipsychotics (clozapine)
- Lithium*
- baclofen*
- diphenhydramine*
- metoclopramide
- metronidazole
- varenicline
- stimulants (methylphenidate)*
What is a focal seizure?
starts on 1 side of the brain, may spread to the other
What is a generalized seizure?
starts on both sides of the brain
What is a focal aware seizure?
no loss of consciousness; simple partial seizure
What is a focal seizure with impaired awareness?
loss of consciousness; complex partial seizure
How are rigid or tense movements described?
tonic
How is muscle twitching described?
myoclonus
What is status epilepticus?
seizure lasts 5 min or more (medical emergency)
How is status epilepticus treated?
0-5 min: stabilize airway/circulation/breathing; time seizure and start ECG; check anti seizure drug levels/electrolytes/treat glucose with dextrose
5-20 min (treatment 1): IV lorazepam/diazepam, IM midazolam; rectal diazepam, intranasal/buccal midazolam if seizure continues (alt)
20-40 min (treatment 2): IV fosphenytoin/valproic acid/levetiracetam/phenobarbital
>40 min (treatment 3): repeat treatment 2 or midazolam/pentobarbital/propofol
When and what non-injectable options for non-emergency seizure control?
- diazepam rectal gel (Diastat AcuDial)
- buccal/intranasal midazolam
What patients are Diastat AcuDial prescribed for?
at risk for long-lasting seizures
What must the pharmacist do before dispensing Diastat AcuDial?
dial each syringe to the correct dose (2.5, 10, 20mg) and lock before dispensing
What are the instructions for dialing the Diastat AcuDial to the correct dose?
- hold the barrel of the syringe with the cap facing down and dose window visible, don’t remove the cap
- grab the cap and turn to adjust the dose
- confirm dose in window, hold the cap and push up on both sides of the lock ring; green band should say READY; cannot be unlocked
- repeat with second syringe and check dose
Can anti-seizure medications (ASM) be stopped?
stopping abruptly increases seizures
What are adjuvant treatments for chronic seizures?
- CBD (Epidiolex)
- ketogenic diet (4:1 fats:protein/carbs)
What ASMs are used for focal and generalized seizures?
Broad spectrum ASMs (lamotrigine, levetiracetam, topiramate, valproic acid)
What are generalized seizures with non-motor symptoms called?
absence seizure (staring spell)
Which agent is used specifically for absence seizures?
ethosuxamide
What are narrow spectrum ASMS used for?
focal-onset seizures
What are safety concerns with all ASMs?
- Increased risk of CNS depression (sedation, cognitive impairment, ataxia/difficult coordination, falls)
- Suicide risk warning
- Bone loss/increased fracture risk
- SJS/TENS rash
- DRESS multiorgan HSR
What supplements should be taken with ASMs?
- Ca and Vitamin D (all)
- Folate (pregnancy)
- Carnitine (Valproic acid)
- Biotin, Selenium and Zinc (alopecia with valproic acid and lamotrigine)
Which ASMs have the MOA of enhancing GABA effect?
- Benzos
- Phenobarbital
Which ASMs have the MOA of increasing GABA by blocking Na channels?
Valproate