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.
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In the 2017 classification system, the term ____ is used to describe a propagation pattern of a seizure and replaces the term secondarily generalized seizure.
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What is a seizure?
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What is epilepsy?
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How common is epilepsy?
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Why do we 'type' a seizure?
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What are the 2 main divisions of the 1981 seizure classification?
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What is the main characteristic of a 1981 Partial seizure?
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What is the main characteristic of a 1981 generalized seizure?
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What are the types of 1981 partial seizures?
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What are the types of 1981 generalized seizures?
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What is an 'aura'?
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When might one see an 'aura'?
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What does the term 'focal' refer to in the new seizure classification?
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What does impaired awareness during any part of the seizure render it?
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What are the types of Generalized Onset Seizures?
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What does it mean if the onset of the seizure is missed or obscured?
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What does the hierarchical structure of the new classification chart imply?
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What does it mean to classify a seizure by its earliest prominent feature?
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Which types do not have specified awareness?
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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.
