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What is the medical term for a sudden attack of involuntary muscular contractions and relaxations?
Which type of seizure is characterized by an abnormal, excessive neuronal discharge in a limited area of the cerebral cortex?
What is the term for a chronic medical condition characterized by recurrent seizures and convulsions?
What is the term for a sudden change in the electrical function of the brain?
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What is the term for a medication used to treat epilepsy?
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What is the term for a seizure that affects only a specific part of the brain?
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What is the term for a seizure that affects the entire brain?
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What is the term for a disorder characterized by recurrent seizures and convulsions, caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain?
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What is the characteristic of a person experiencing a generalized seizure?
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What is the primary aim of therapy for seizures?
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Which type of seizure is characterized by a sudden loss of muscle tone, leading to a fall?
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What is the significance of EEG patterns in epilepsy diagnosis?
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What is the characteristic of a simple partial seizure?
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What is the primary goal of choosing a specific drug therapy for seizures?
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What is the significance of the EEG in choosing a drug therapy for seizures?
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What is the characteristic of a complex partial seizure?
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What is the relationship between head trauma and seizures?
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What is the significance of medications in seizure therapy?
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What is the primary concern associated with status epilepticus?
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Which of the following is a side effect of medication that can interfere with cognitive function in learning situations?
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What is the primary mechanism of seizures at the cellular level?
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Which of the following is NOT a side effect of medication?
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What is the term for a prolonged state of continuous seizure activity?
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Which of the following is a side effect of medication that can impact daily activities?
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What is the primary concern associated with sedation?
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Which of the following is a side effect of medication that can impact mental health?
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What is the term for a type of seizure characterized by a loss of consciousness?
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Which of the following is a side effect of medication that can impact physical health?
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What is the primary cause of brain damage in Status Epilepticus?
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Which of the following neurotransmitters has an inhibitory effect on neuronal activity?
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What is the effect of blocking voltage-dependent ion channels?
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What is the primary objective of treatment in Status Epilepticus?
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What is the effect of excessive glutamate release on neuronal activity?
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What is the primary treatment for hypotension in Status Epilepticus?
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What is the effect of enhancing GABA activity on neuronal excitability?
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What is the primary complication of untreated Status Epilepticus?
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What is the effect of inhibiting glutamate activity on neuronal excitability?
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What is the primary mechanism of action of medications used to treat Status Epilepticus?
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Study Notes
Epilepsy
- Recurrent disorder of cerebral function characterized by seizures and convulsions
- Chronic medical condition with sudden changes in the electrical function of the brain
Types of Seizures
- Focal (Partial) Seizures:
- Abnormal excessive neuronal discharge associated with abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) activity
- Person may be aware or have impaired consciousness
- Arises simultaneously in both hemispheres of the brain
- Generalised Seizures:
- Involves the entire brain, with sudden loss of consciousness
- Caused by abnormal electrical activity in both hemispheres of the brain
Characteristics of Seizures
- Myoclonic: sudden, brief contractions of muscles
- Tonic: stiffening of muscles
- Clonic: rhythmic contractions and relaxations of muscles
- Atonic: sudden loss of muscle tone, leading to falling
- Simple partial seizures: does not affect consciousness
- Complex partial seizures: affects consciousness and awareness of surroundings
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis: abnormal EEG patterns
- Treatment: aim to control seizures, not cure epilepsy
- Choice of drug therapy depends on the type of seizure
- Each type of epilepsy displays a specific EEG pattern during a seizure
Side Effects of Anti-Epileptic Drugs
- CNS Effects: drowsiness, sedation, vertigo, depression, headache
- GI Effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia
- Skin Effects: rash
- Fetal Effects: birth defects
Cellular Mechanisms of Seizures
- Excitation and inhibition of neurons
- Abnormal neuronal discharge leading to seizures
Status Epilepticus
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Life-threatening condition characterized by prolonged, continuous seizure activity
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Patient is unconscious and may experience generalised tonic-clonic convulsions### Ion Channels and Neurotransmitters
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Ionic-inward currents can cause brain damage and are a medical emergency.
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Ionic-inward currents are blocked by voltage-dependent ion channels.
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Ionic-outward currents, also known as KE currents, have opposing effects.
Neurotransmitters
- Excitatory neurotransmitters: glutamate, aspartate.
- Inhibitory neurotransmitter: GABA.
Treatment Objectives
- Inhibit the activity of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter.
- Enhance the inhibitory activity of GABA.
Treatment Options
- Hypotension treatment: Status Epilepticus.
- Treatment for cardiac dysrhythmias.
Hypoxia
- Hypoxia is a condition that can cause brain damage.
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Description
This quiz covers the basics of epilepsy, a recurrent disorder of cerebral function, and its treatment with anti-epileptic drugs.
