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Flashcards in Seizures - Epilepsy Deck (17)
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1
Q

Is the cause of epilepsy known?

A

No.

2
Q

What is the etiology of epilepsy?

A
Provoked seizures (secondary)
Unprovoked seizures (primary)
3
Q

What are some underlying causes for provoked seizures?

A

There is some genetic component involved - but is not well established.
CNS insult (infection, trauma)
Febrile seizures (kids)
Metabolic related: hypoxia, hypoglycaemia, electrolyte imbalance

4
Q

What is the etiology of provoked seizures?

A

Mostly idiopathic and also has more genetic involvement than provoked seizures

5
Q

What is epilepsy classified as?

A

Recurrent seizures

6
Q

What is the patho of a seizure?

A

Epileptogenic cells are stimulated creating a discharge of increased amplitude and frequency, which spreads to other neurons. Normal neuron inhibition is blocked leading to abnormal muscle action and LOC.

7
Q

What occurs just before a seizure is fully over?

A

Intermittent contraction-relaxation

8
Q

What occurs once a seizure is over and why?

A

CNS depression because epileptogenic cells are completely inhibited

9
Q

What is the phase called when CNS depression occurs after a seizure?

A

Post ictal phase

10
Q

As a result from a seizure, an increase in ______ occurs. The body demands more _____ and ___

A

Metabolism
Oxygen
Glucose

11
Q

Whether or not the body can meet metabolic demands during a seizure depends on what?

A

Length of the seizure

12
Q

What is a complication of a seizure? Why?

A

Metabolic acidosis because the body’s muscles are using anaerobic respiration to create energy

13
Q

How are seizures diagnosed?

A

History (unless seizure is witnessed)
Neuro exam
Determine cause of seizure
Labs, scans, EEG

14
Q

What is the treatment for a seizure? During, right after and later on?

A

During- protect individual from injury
STAT after- preserve brain fx
Later- underlying cause, anticonvulsant drugs & if drugs don’t work surgery

15
Q

Which type of seizure does someone lose consciousness from… Simple partial seizure or complex partial seizure?

A

Complex

16
Q

What is a generalized seizure?

A

One that originates in both hemispheres of the brain

17
Q

What is a partial seizure?

A

One that originated in only one hemisphere