Questions and Answers
What characterizes a tonic-clonic seizure?
Status epilepticus is considered a medical emergency.
True
What is an aura in relation to seizures?
A warning sign some experience prior to a seizure.
During a seizure, it is important to turn the patient on their ______.
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Match the type of seizure with its description:
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Which of the following side effects is associated with Phenytoin (Dilantin)?
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It is safe to put something in the patient's mouth during a seizure.
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What best describes a seizure?
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What should be done after a seizure episode?
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Both generalized and partial seizures involve both hemispheres of the brain.
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Name one type of generalized seizure.
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During a grand mal seizure, the patient experiences an increase in ______ tone followed by convulsions.
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Which of the following medications is classified as an anticonvulsant?
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Match the types of seizures with their descriptions:
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Anticonvulsants lower the seizure threshold in patients.
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What side effect is associated with Phenytoin?
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What is the main characteristic of a simple partial seizure?
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Reduced cerebral perfusion can lead to seizure disorder.
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Name one treatment option for tension headaches.
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The _____ phase of a tonic-clonic seizure involves the stiffening of muscles.
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Match the type of seizure with its characteristic:
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Which medication is often used to treat severe migraines?
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Cluster headaches usually have warning symptoms before they occur.
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What is a common trigger for migraines?
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One method to lower ICP is through positioning by raising the head of the bed ____ degrees.
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What is the description of generalized seizures?
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Study Notes
Seizure Types and Characteristics
- Focal Motor Seizures: Abnormal brain activity localized to specific motor areas.
- Jacksonian March: A form of focal seizure that begins in one area and can progressively involve adjacent areas of the body.
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Tonic-Clonic Seizures:
- Tonic phase: Stiffening of muscles with loss of consciousness.
- Clonic phase: Rhythmic movement of extremities follows.
- Absence Seizures (Petit Mal): Characterized by brief loss of consciousness, often appearing as daydreaming.
- Myoclonic Seizures: Brief, shock-like jerks of muscles or extremities.
- Atonic Seizures (Drop Attacks): Sudden loss of muscle tone resulting in collapse.
- Status Epilepticus: A medical emergency involving continuous seizures lasting 30 minutes or more that can lead to permanent brain damage.
- Aura: Warning signs that may precede a seizure, including dizziness and sensory disturbances.
Medical Treatment for Seizures
- Underlying Condition Resolution: First step in treatment.
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Anticonvulsant Drug Therapy: Mainstay for seizure management, inhibiting neuron hyperexcitability.
- Phenytoin (Dilantin): Side effects include gingival hyperplasia and drowsiness; requires monitoring and good oral care.
- Pregabalin (Lyrica): Reduces seizure activity; side effect is drowsiness, requiring safety precautions and tapering off.
Surgical Interventions
- Seizure Foci Removal: Targeting areas of overactive brain activity, often in the temporal lobe.
- Pallidotomy: A procedure involving the destruction of tissue related to seizure activity using electrodes.
- Vagal Nerve Stimulator: Acts as a "brain pacemaker" to modulate seizure activity.
Immediate Care During Seizures
- Stay with the patient and ensure their safety.
- Clear surrounding objects, turn them onto their side, and never restrain them or place objects in their mouth.
- Document seizure details: duration, movements, and postictal state.
Postictal Care and Safety Precautions
- Postictal Period: Time following the seizure; monitor for drug administration and patient state.
- Ensure safety: secure rails on the bed, have suction equipment available, maintain a low bed position.
- Educate patient and family about seizure disorders and emergency responses.
Head Injury and Related Management
- Scalp Injuries: Can lead to lacerations, contusions, abrasions, or hematomas.
- Concussion: Closed head injury without visible brain damage.
- Bradycardia: Slow and irregular heart rate potentially arising from brain injury.
Managing Intracranial Pressure (ICP)
- Positioning and hyperventilation can lower ICP.
- Fluid management and possible mechanical drainage as needed.
- IV Mannitol: Osmotic diuretic used to reduce cerebral edema, increases urinary output, and decreases ICP.
- Corticosteroids: Administered to decrease swelling and pressure.
Headache Types and Management
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Migraine: Involves intracranial vasoconstriction and vasodilation; can be triggered by various factors.
- Symptoms include unilateral pain, sensitivity to light/sound, and nausea.
- Treatment varies from acetaminophen for mild migraines to ergotamine or sumatriptan for severe cases.
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Cluster Headaches: Intense, series of headaches followed by symptom-free periods; often related to stress or anxiety.
- Treatment may include cold applications and indomethacin.
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Tension Headaches: Result from muscle contraction due to stress or other stimuli; often managed with relaxation techniques and analgesics.
Seizure Disorders Overview
- Caused by chaotic electrical impulses in the brain due to various factors, including trauma, infection, and electrolyte disturbances.
- Generalized vs. Partial Seizures: Generalized seizures involve the entire brain with lost consciousness, while partial seizures can be simple (no loss of consciousness) or complex (impaired consciousness).
Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs)
- Hydantoins: Common anti-seizure medications such as phenytoin and fosphenytoin, associated with side effects like dizziness, gingival hyperplasia, and potentially severe hypersensitivity reactions.
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Description
Test your knowledge on various types of seizures and their characteristics. This quiz covers focal motor seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, absence seizures, and more. Understand the medical implications and treatment options available for seizure conditions.