Seizure Unit 3 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Phenytoin is effective against absence seizures.

False

All people who appear to have seizures have epilepsy.

False

_______ binds preferably to voltage gated sodium channels in their inactive form, which prevents repetitive and sustained firing of an action potential.

Carbamazepine

Generalized epilepsy is more likely to involve genetic factors than focal epilepsy.

True Signup and view all the answers

In the 2017 classification system, the term ____ is used to describe a propagation pattern of a seizure and replaces the term secondarily generalized seizure.

focal to bilateral tonic-clonic Signup and view all the answers

What is a seizure?

It happens because of abnormal electrical activity in the brain and may cause loss of consciousness and convulsions. Signup and view all the answers

What is epilepsy?

A group of related chronic disorders of brain function characterized by recurrent and unpredictable occurrence of seizures. Signup and view all the answers

How common is epilepsy?

~1% of the population; it is the fourth most common neurologic disorder. Signup and view all the answers

Why do we 'type' a seizure?

To provide a communication framework for clinical use. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 2 main divisions of the 1981 seizure classification?

Partial & generalized. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of a 1981 Partial seizure?

Seizure activity originates in one part of the brain. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of a 1981 generalized seizure?

Apparent start over wide areas of the brain; activity involved in entire brain. Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of 1981 partial seizures?

Simple and complex. Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of 1981 generalized seizures?

Absence, myoclonic, tonic clonic, tonic, atonic. Signup and view all the answers

What is an 'aura'?

Perceptual disturbance experienced by some, manifested as strange light, unpleasant smell, or confusing thoughts. Signup and view all the answers

When might one see an 'aura'?

With migraines or seizures before either begins. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'focal' refer to in the new seizure classification?

It replaces the term 'partial'. Signup and view all the answers

What does impaired awareness during any part of the seizure render it?

Focal Impaired Awareness Seizure. Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of Generalized Onset Seizures?

Motor and Non-motor. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean if the onset of the seizure is missed or obscured?

The seizure is of unknown onset. Signup and view all the answers

What does the hierarchical structure of the new classification chart imply?

Levels can be skipped, so arrows are intentionally omitted. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to classify a seizure by its earliest prominent feature?

Classify a focal seizure by its first prominent sign or symptoms. Signup and view all the answers

Which types do not have specified awareness?

Atonic Seizures and Epileptic Spasms. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Seizures Overview

Phenytoin is not effective for absence seizures.
Not all individuals experiencing seizures have epilepsy.

Seizure Mechanisms

Carbamazepine preferentially binds to voltage-gated sodium channels in their inactive state, inhibiting repetitive action potential firing.

Epilepsy Connection

Generalized epilepsy often has a genetic component, unlike focal epilepsy.
Seizures are symptoms of epilepsy; however, epilepsy only occurs in some individuals who have seizures.

Definitions

A seizure is abnormal electrical activity in the brain and may cause a range of symptoms from unnoticed to loss of consciousness with convulsions.
Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent, unpredictable seizures and is a chronic brain function disorder.

Prevalence

Approximately 1% of the population is affected by epilepsy, making it the fourth most common neurologic disorder.

Seizure Classification Motivation

Typing seizures helps establish a communication framework for clinical use.

Classification Systems

The 1981 classification divided seizures into partial and generalized.
Newer classifications (2017) introduce terms like "focal" instead of "partial" and "aware" instead of "conscious."

Types of Seizures

1981 classification defined two main types:
- Partial seizures arising from one brain area.
- Generalized seizures involving widespread brain activity.
2017 classification categorizes seizures into focal onset, generalized onset, and unknown onset.

Seizures Characteristics

Focal Onset Seizures can be aware or have impaired awareness.
Generalized Onset Seizures typically involve impaired awareness.

Specific Seizure Types

Absence seizures (typical and atypical) present with altered consciousness and brief episodes of staring.
Focal seizures can present various motor and non-motor symptoms, including automatisms.

Awareness Terms

Awareness in seizures can be omitted if unknown, and classifications can reflect motor versus nonmotor signs.

Emotional and Cognitive Aspects

Cognitive seizures involve impaired language or cognition, while emotional seizures affect emotional states without subjective experience.

New Terms and Classifications

Key replacements in 2017:
- "Simple Partial" becomes "Focal Aware."
- "Complex Partial" shifts to "Focal Impaired Awareness."
Various seizure types are defined by their motor or nonmotor properties and the presence of awareness.

Guidance for Classification

Classification begins with determining seizure onset as focal or generalized.
Awareness and its impairment during a seizure affect classification as focal impaired awareness.

Seizure Behavior Observations

Signs of seizures may include sensory disturbances, emotions, and various body movements.
A focal behavior arrest seizure is characterized by a prominent feature of ceasing all activity.

Additional Notes

Seizures may not fit neatly into classifications if there is inadequate information, leading to them being unclassified.
Importance of understanding the clinical implications of seizures, especially in situations like driving and personal safety.

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Description

This quiz covers essential concepts related to seizures, particularly focusing on medications and their effectiveness against different types of seizures. Test your knowledge on key terms like Phenytoin and Carbamazepine, and distinguish between seizure types and epilepsy. Ideal for students studying neurology or pharmacology.