Seizure & Epilepsy Part 2
12 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a significant characteristic of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy?

  • Associated with poor intelligence
  • Does not require lifelong treatment
  • Generalized tonic-clonic seizures after waking (correct)
  • Typically starts in childhood

    • Which of the following statements about Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome is true?

  • It shows a generally good prognosis.
  • It does not involve cognitive impairment.
  • It is characterized by multiple seizure types. (correct)
  • Atonic seizures are not associated with this syndrome.

    • What is a key feature of EEG in patients with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy?

  • Absence of electrical activity
  • Persistent low-frequency waves
  • Burst of fast generalized polyspike and wave (correct)
  • High amplitude spikes with rhythmic pattern

    • What age range is typically associated with the onset of Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome?

    <p>1 to 7 years (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common precipitating factor for seizures in Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy?

    <p>Sleep deprivation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Interictal EEG has a higher chance of abnormal results when ___________ are used to activate potential abnormalities.

    <p>Sleep deprivation, hyperventilation, and photic stimulation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant difference between a typical absence seizure and a complex partial seizure on an EEG?

    <p>A complex partial seizure displays focal abnormalities, while a typical absence seizure shows generalized, bilateral symmetrical activities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a key function of EEG in epilepsy?

    <p>Determining the cause of epilepsy, such as genetic predisposition (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term "interictal" refer to in the context of EEG recordings in epilepsy?

    <p>EEG recordings taken between seizures (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of 'epileptiform activities' observed on an EEG?

    <p>They are commonly found in individuals with epilepsy, but they can also occur in other conditions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the new definition of generalized status epilepticus?

    <p>Continuous seizures or recurrent seizures without recovery of consciousness for at least 30 minutes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of 'activating procedures' during an EEG?

    <p>To increase the chances of identifying hidden electrical abnormalities in the brain. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Epilepsy Syndrome

    A group of epilepsy characteristics that include seizure types, cause, onset age, expected outcome, and response to treatment.

    Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME)

    The most common type of idiopathic generalized epilepsy that typically starts in adolescence. It's characterized by myoclonic jerks (sudden twitches), generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and sometimes absence seizures. It can be triggered by sleep deprivation and alcohol. People with JME usually have normal intelligence.

    Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

    A severe epilepsy syndrome that often occurs in children. It's characterized by multiple seizure types, a distinctive wave pattern on an EEG, and cognitive difficulties.

    Electroencephalogram (EEG)

    A recording of the brain's electrical activity using electrodes placed on the scalp.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Characteristic EEG pattern for JME

    Recording of electrical activity showing bursts of fast generalized polyspike and wave pattern.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Alpha Rhythm

    Normal brain activity recorded on an EEG. It falls within a specific frequency range (8-12 Hz) and resembles a rhythmic wave pattern.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Drowsy EEG

    A type of brain activity observed during drowsiness. It is characterized by slower frequencies and lower amplitudes compared to the alpha rhythm.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Epileptiform Activity

    Abnormal brain activity on an EEG, typically observed during seizures. It is characterized by sharp, sudden, and fast electrical discharges.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    EEG Activating Procedures

    Procedures used during an EEG recording to provoke or reveal hidden brain abnormalities that might not be apparent at rest.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Ictal EEG

    An EEG recording taken during a seizure. It is the gold standard for confirming the diagnosis of epilepsy and helping classify types of seizures.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Interictal EEG

    An EEG recording performed between seizures. It is often used to investigate epilepsy, but results may be normal even if a person has epilepsy.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Interictal EEG Abnormalities

    The likelihood of finding abnormal brain activity on an interictal EEG in people with epilepsy is around 55%. This can be increased to around 80% by using repeated recordings and activating procedures.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Characteristic EEG Patterns

    Characteristic patterns of brain activity seen on an EEG in specific epilepsy syndromes. They help classify seizure types and epilepsy syndromes.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Seizure & Epilepsy Part 2

    • Epilepsy syndromes include seizure types, etiology (idiopathic or symptomatic), age of onset, prognosis, and response to treatment
    • Classifying syndromes is important as different parts may respond similarly to treatment and have similar prognoses
    • Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is a common idiopathic generalised epilepsy syndrome
    • It is inherited, age of onset is adolescence, and characterised by myoclonic jerks, often occurring after awakening. Absence seizures and sleep-deprivation or alcohol can sometimes precipitate seizures
    • Intelligence is not significantly affected
    • EEG characteristics include bursts of fast generalised polyspike and wave activity
    • Not progressive, but needs life-long therapy. It responds well to Valproic Acid and Lamotrigine.

    Lennox‐Gastaut Syndrome

    • A severe symptomatic generalised epilepsy syndrome
    • It's characterized by (1) multiple seizure types, (2) characteristic EEG, and (3) diffuse cognitive dysfunction.

    Age of Onset (1-7 years)

    • Seizures are typically generalised, including atonic (falling), tonic, tonic-clonic, and atypical absence seizures.
    • Intellectual impairment is common
    • Etiology or cause of Lennox‐Gastaut Syndrome is usually symptomatic / secondary (e.g., prematurity, perinatal injury, metabolic disease of infancy)

    Management and Prognosis

    • Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome has a very poor prognosis.
    • Treatment is very difficult and often requires multiple drug regimens.

    EEG (Electroencephalogram)

    • EEG records electrical activity of the brain via scalp electrodes
    • Electrodes are placed on the scalp in standard positions
    • Potential differences are recorded
    • Normal background EEG activity is 8-12 Hz (alpha rhythm)
    • Epilepsy-epileptiform activity is characterized by sharp or spike-and-wave patterns, distinct from background activity
    • Activation procedures, like hyperventilation, photic stimulation, and sleep deprivation, can induce or reveal underlying abnormalities

    Uses of EEG in Epilepsy

    • Supports the diagnosis of epilepsy
    • Classifies seizures
    • Localises seizure focus before surgery
    • May assist in prognosis
    • Tracks status epilepticus management

    EEG in Epilepsy Diagnosis

    • Useful during an actual seizure to electrographically confirm if seizures are happening
    • Most EEG recordings are done interictally (between seizures)
    • Interictally, EEGs are often normal
    • Abnormal EEG in an epileptic patient is present in around 55% of cases
    • Repeated recordings and activation procedures can raise the positive yield to approximate 80%

    What to Look For (EEG)

    • Epileptiform activity: bursts (paroxysms) of spikes and sharp wave activity, which is distinct from background activity
    • Episodes clinically suggestive of seizures: Epileptiform activity can help with epilepsy diagnosis
    • Even with a normal EEG, do not rule out epilepsy; clinical history is crucial.

    Classifying Seizures and Epilepsy

    • Some epilepsy syndromes have characteristic EEGs
    • EEG can differentiate between complex partial seizures and absence seizures

    Status Epilepticus

    • Definition: continuous seizures or recurrent seizures without recovery of consciousness in between, lasting a duration of at least 30 minutes
    • Any seizure type can progress to status epilepticus
    • Status epilepticus represents an emergency with high morbidity and mortality

    Complications of Status Epilepticus (in initial 30 minutes)

    • Catecholamine increase: Heart rate and blood pressure increase
    • Elevated temperature
    • Metabolic acidosis
    • Raised white blood cell count
    • Mild lowered oxygen (pO2) and increased carbon dioxide (pCO2) levels
    • Other complications: Fractures, rhabdomyolysis, glucose increases, aspiration, and renal failure

    After 30 Minutes of Status Epilepticus

    • Systemic changes: blood pressure will decrease, respiratory compromise occurs, acidosis intensifies, and glucose levels fall
    • Prolonged electrical activity itself leads to neuronal damage
    • Focal impairment of awareness and absence seizures are associated with status epilepticus, among other symptoms

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Epilepsy 2 Notes Lecture 4 PDF

    Description

    This quiz delves into the classification of epilepsy syndromes, including specifics about idiopathic and symptomatic types. Learn about juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, their characteristics, treatment responses, and prognoses. A great resource for understanding key aspects of epilepsy management.

    More Like This

    Identifying Patterns of Epileptiform Discharges
    10 questions

    Identifying Patterns of Epileptiform Discharges

    KnowledgeableWaterfall avatar
    KnowledgeableWaterfall
    Epilepsy and Epileptic Syndromes Quiz
    10 questions

    Epilepsy and Epileptic Syndromes Quiz

    RosyBliss avatar
    RosyBliss
    Pathognomonic EEG Patterns
    80 questions

    Pathognomonic EEG Patterns

    DignifiedHarpy8046 avatar
    DignifiedHarpy8046
    Epilepsy Syndromes and Causes
    73 questions

    Epilepsy Syndromes and Causes

    FormidablePennywhistle avatar
    FormidablePennywhistle
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser