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 ______.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the type of seizure with its description:
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following side effects is associated with Phenytoin (Dilantin)?
Signup and view all the answers
It is safe to put something in the patient's mouth during a seizure.
Signup and view all the answers
What best describes a seizure?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be done after a seizure episode?
Signup and view all the answers
Both generalized and partial seizures involve both hemispheres of the brain.
Signup and view all the answers
Name one type of generalized seizure.
Signup and view all the answers
During a grand mal seizure, the patient experiences an increase in ______ tone followed by convulsions.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following medications is classified as an anticonvulsant?
Signup and view all the answers
Match the types of seizures with their descriptions:
Signup and view all the answers
Anticonvulsants lower the seizure threshold in patients.
Signup and view all the answers
What side effect is associated with Phenytoin?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the main characteristic of a simple partial seizure?
Signup and view all the answers
Reduced cerebral perfusion can lead to seizure disorder.
Signup and view all the answers
Name one treatment option for tension headaches.
Signup and view all the answers
The _____ phase of a tonic-clonic seizure involves the stiffening of muscles.
Signup and view all the answers
Match the type of seizure with its characteristic:
Signup and view all the answers
Which medication is often used to treat severe migraines?
Signup and view all the answers
Cluster headaches usually have warning symptoms before they occur.
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common trigger for migraines?
Signup and view all the answers
One method to lower ICP is through positioning by raising the head of the bed ____ degrees.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the description of generalized seizures?
Signup and view all the answers
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
Cluster Headaches: Intense, series of headaches followed by symptom-free periods; often related to stress or anxiety.
- Treatment may include cold applications and indomethacin.
-
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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.
