Seizure quiz 1

Characteristics of Seizures

• Tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure is characterized by loss of consciousness and muscle rigidity.

Patient Care during Seizures

• Turning a patient on their side during a seizure helps to maintain a patent airway and prevent aspiration.

Diagnostic Tests

• Electroencephalogram (EEG) is used to detect abnormal electrical discharges in the brain during a seizure.

Types of Seizures

• Contralateral seizures involve symptoms occurring on the opposite side of the brain affected.

Auras and Seizures

• An aura is a warning sign that a seizure is about to occur, and it can be a sensory, motor, or autonomic symptom.

Absence (Petit Mal) Seizures

• A characteristic feature of absence seizures is a brief period of unconsciousness, often accompanied by rapid blinking or lip movements.

Postictal Period

• The postictal period following a seizure is characterized by confusion, disorientation, and fatigue.

Complex Partial Seizures

• Complex partial seizures are distinguished by altered consciousness and automatisms, such as performing repetitive actions.

Therapeutic Measures

• The first step in therapeutic measures for seizures is to maintain a patent airway and ensure the patient's safety.

Medications for Seizures

• Medications like diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan) are used to treat status epilepticus, but may cause respiratory depression.
• Polypharmacy is possible, where the patient may be on more than one medication, which can cause drowsiness and depression.

Emergency Medications

• The purpose of emergency medications is to terminate the seizure activity.

Preventative Medications

• The main function of preventative medications is to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

Therapeutic Interventions

• Suctioning is used to remove secretions and maintain a patent airway.
• Padded side rails are used to prevent injury during a seizure.
• Resecting the area affected within the brain is a therapeutic measure for seizures.