Seizure Syndromes (Convulsions) Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the typical IQ range for individuals with mild mental retardation?

IQ below 20-25

IQ 50-55 to ~70 (correct)

IQ 35-40 to 50-55

IQ 20-25 to 35-40

Which of the following is a common cause of mental retardation during the prenatal period?

Chromosomal abnormalities (correct)

Postnatal trauma

Endocrine disorders

Postnatal infections

Which of the following tests is commonly used to assess intelligence quotient (IQ) in infants?

Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale

Wechsler Scale

Bayley Scales of Infant Development (correct)

None of the above

Which of the following is a common postnatal cause of mental retardation?

Anoxia Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical IQ range for individuals with profound mental retardation?

IQ below 20-25 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common metabolic disease that can cause mental retardation during the prenatal period?

Phenylketonuria Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of absence seizures?

Impaired consciousness without falling or involuntary movements Signup and view all the answers

Which type of seizure involves the entire body?

Generalized seizure Signup and view all the answers

What is typically observed after a prolonged convulsion?

Postictal coma (transient loss of consciousness) Signup and view all the answers

Which investigation is described as very helpful in the diagnosis of seizures?

EEG Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of a simple febrile seizure?

Primary generalized, usually tonic-clonic, attack associated with fever, lasting for a maximum of 15 min, and not recurrent within a 24-hr period Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of a complex febrile seizure?

Is focal or prolonged (>15 min) or recurs within 24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common type of convulsion?

Tonic-Clonic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common cause of acute convulsions?

Chronic recurrent convulsions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following electrolyte disturbances can lead to convulsions?

Hypernatremia Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of convulsions according to the text?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between primary (idiopathic) and secondary (organic) epilepsy?

Primary epilepsy has an unknown cause, while secondary epilepsy has a known cause. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common cause of chronic recurrent convulsions?

Acute lead poisoning Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mental Retardation

Limitation in performance that results from sub-average intelligence and adaptive behavior
Classified according to the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) = Mental age X 100 / Chronological age
Normal IQ: 90-110
Tests for IQ assessment:
- Bayley Scales of infant development
- Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale
- Welchsler Scale

Degree of Mental Retardation

Mild MR (85% of cases): IQ 50-55 to 70 (Educable)
Moderate MR: IQ 35-40 to 50-55 (Trainable)
Severe MR: IQ 20-25 to 35-40 (Non-trainable)
Profound MR: IQ below 20-25

Etiology of Mental Retardation

Prenatal causes:
- Genetic (Chromosomal abnormalities: Down syndrome, Edward syndrome, fragile X syndrome)
- Metabolic diseases (e.g. phenylketonuria, galactosaemia, mucopolysaccharidosis)
- Congenital brain anomalies (e.g. genetic Microcephaly and hydrocephalus)
- Neurodegenerative & Neurocutaneous disorders (Intrauterine)
- Congenital infections (TORCH)
- Drugs and toxins (e.g. alcohol, phenytoin, cigarettes)
- Radiation
- Placental insufficiency
Perinatal causes:
- Ante partum hemorrhage and toxemia
- Asphyxia, trauma, and intracranial hemorrhage during delivery
Postnatal causes:
- Trauma (e.g. intracranial hemorrhage)
- Infections (e.g. encephalitis, meningitis)
- Anoxia
- Metabolic disorders (e.g. hypoglycemia, Kernicterus)
- Endocrinal disorders (e.g. hypothyroidism)
- Poisoning (e.g. absence seizures)

Seizure Syndromes (Convulsions)

Definition: Paroxysmal involuntary disturbance of brain function that may be manifested as:
- Involuntary contraction of muscles
- Disturbed conscious level
- Sensory or autonomic abnormality
- Behavioral abnormalities
Types of convulsions:
- Tonic: rigid posturing of trunk and extremities
- Clonic: rhythmic twitching of muscles of face and extremities
- Tonic-Clonic: is the most common type
- Myoclonic: brief jerking (sudden flexion movement) of the body and extremities

Etiology of Seizure Syndromes

Acute convulsions:
- Febrile convulsions
- CNS causes (e.g. infections, encephalopathy, intracranial hemorrhage, brain anoxia)
- Metabolic and electrolyte disturbance (e.g. hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hypo-or hypernatremia, hypomagnesaemia, alkalosis, pyridoxine deficiency)
- With other diseases (e.g. gastroenteritis, glomerulonephritis)
- Drugs/toxins (e.g. theophylline, isoniazid, snake or scorpion bites, acute lead poisoning)
- First fit of epilepsy
Chronic recurrent convulsions:
- Primary (idiopathic) epilepsy
- Secondary (organic) epilepsy (e.g. congenital brain malformations, brain injury, hereditary metabolic and degenerative diseases)

Treatment of Seizure Syndromes

Treatment of the cause
Anticonvulsant drugs
Supportive treatment for untreatable causes:
- Educational and training programs
- Treatment of associated problems as epilepsy
- Emotional support for family

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Description

Learn about convulsions, which are a common pediatric emergency characterized by involuntary disturbances of brain function. Explore topics such as causes, symptoms, and supportive treatment options for untreatable causes, educational programs, treatment of associated problems like epilepsy, and emotional support for families.