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Questions and Answers
What is epilepsy diagnosed by?
Which type of seizure involves neurons activated in a small, discrete region?
What is the clinical manifestation of complex partial seizures?
What causes convulsions, anxiety, and high blood pressure in the brain?
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What does overinhibition from excess GABA cause in the brain?
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Which type of neurons do Na+ channel blockers specifically target?
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Which protein do glutamate release blockers bind to?
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What is a common side effect of Na+ channel blockers?
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What is a common side effect of glutamate release blockers?
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What is the main mechanism of action of perampanel (Fycompa)?
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Which medication enhances the actions of GABA and rapidly develops tolerance in patients?
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Study Notes
Diagnosis of Epilepsy
- Diagnosis of epilepsy is primarily conducted through clinical evaluation and patient history.
- Neuroimaging, EEG (electroencephalogram), and blood tests may be utilized for a comprehensive assessment.
Types of Seizures
- Focal seizures, also known as partial seizures, involve neurons activated in a small, discrete region of the brain.
Clinical Manifestation of Complex Partial Seizures
- Complex partial seizures lead to altered consciousness or awareness, often featuring automatisms like lip smacking or repetitive movements.
Causes of Convulsions, Anxiety, and High Blood Pressure
- These symptoms can occur due to excessive neuronal excitation or dysfunction in brain circuits involved in regulating mood and physiological responses.
Effects of Excess GABA Overinhibition
- Overinhibition from excess GABA can lead to impaired neuronal communication, muscle weakness, and sedative effects, potentially resulting in coma or lethargy.
Target of Na+ Channel Blockers
- Na+ channel blockers specifically target excitatory neurons, inhibiting action potentials and reducing excessive neuronal firing.
Binding Protein of Glutamate Release Blockers
- Glutamate release blockers bind to the synaptic vesicle protein, disrupting the release of glutamate and modulating excitatory neurotransmission.
Common Side Effects of Na+ Channel Blockers
- A common side effect includes dizziness, drowsiness, or ataxia due to their impact on neuronal excitability.
Common Side Effects of Glutamate Release Blockers
- Side effects can include fatigue, nausea, and headaches as a result of altered neurotransmitter dynamics.
Mechanism of Action of Perampanel (Fycompa)
- Perampanel primarily functions as a non-competitive antagonist of AMPA receptors, reducing glutamatergic activity and preventing seizure propagation.
Medication Enhancing GABA Actions
- Benzodiazepines enhance GABA actions and can lead to the rapid development of tolerance in patients, diminishing their effectiveness over time.
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Description
Test your knowledge about epilepsy and anticonvulsants with this quiz. Learn about the disorder of the brain characterized by a predisposition to generate epileptic seizures and the diagnosis criteria. Explore the different causes and the impact of epilepsy, as well as the role of anticonvulsants in managing seizures.
