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Questions and Answers
What typically causes the first seizure in individuals over 20 years of age?
What typically causes the first seizure in individuals over 20 years of age?
Which statement best describes unprovoked seizures?
Which statement best describes unprovoked seizures?
What might contribute to the occurrence of seizures according to the theories on their causes?
What might contribute to the occurrence of seizures according to the theories on their causes?
What is the definition of a seizure?
What is the definition of a seizure?
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Which of these is a characteristic symptom of seizures?
Which of these is a characteristic symptom of seizures?
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What characterizes focal seizures without impairment of consciousness?
What characterizes focal seizures without impairment of consciousness?
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Which type of seizure typically arises in the temporal lobe and involves a loss of consciousness?
Which type of seizure typically arises in the temporal lobe and involves a loss of consciousness?
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What is an aura in the context of seizures?
What is an aura in the context of seizures?
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What distinguishes generalized seizures from focal seizures?
What distinguishes generalized seizures from focal seizures?
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What is a common characteristic of tonic-clonic seizures?
What is a common characteristic of tonic-clonic seizures?
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What defines status epilepticus in terms of seizure duration?
What defines status epilepticus in terms of seizure duration?
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Which of the following medications is typically used during seizure activity?
Which of the following medications is typically used during seizure activity?
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What percentage of patients can stop their medications and remain seizure-free after achieving control?
What percentage of patients can stop their medications and remain seizure-free after achieving control?
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What is a known potential consequence of untreated status epilepticus?
What is a known potential consequence of untreated status epilepticus?
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Which treatment may be considered if pharmacological treatments with two or more drugs are not effective?
Which treatment may be considered if pharmacological treatments with two or more drugs are not effective?
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What is a key characteristic of generalized seizures?
What is a key characteristic of generalized seizures?
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Which type of generalized seizure is characterized by a sudden loss of muscle tone resulting in the drooping of limbs?
Which type of generalized seizure is characterized by a sudden loss of muscle tone resulting in the drooping of limbs?
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What is NOT a common manifestation of absence seizures?
What is NOT a common manifestation of absence seizures?
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Which phase of a tonic-clonic seizure involves sharp muscle contractions and immediate loss of consciousness?
Which phase of a tonic-clonic seizure involves sharp muscle contractions and immediate loss of consciousness?
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What diagnostic test is commonly used to help identify seizure activity?
What diagnostic test is commonly used to help identify seizure activity?
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What may occur during the tonic phase of a tonic-clonic seizure?
What may occur during the tonic phase of a tonic-clonic seizure?
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What trigger is associated with myoclonic seizures?
What trigger is associated with myoclonic seizures?
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Which category of generalized seizures is defined by lasting only a few seconds with no convulsions?
Which category of generalized seizures is defined by lasting only a few seconds with no convulsions?
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Flashcards
Generalized Seizures
Generalized Seizures
Seizures that involve both hemispheres of the brain from the onset.
Focal Seizures
Focal Seizures
Seizures that start in one hemisphere of the brain; can be with or without impairment of consciousness.
Focal Seizures Without Impairment
Focal Seizures Without Impairment
Focal seizures that do not affect consciousness or awareness, may include motor and sensory symptoms.
Focal Seizures With Impairment
Focal Seizures With Impairment
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Aura
Aura
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Seizure Protection
Seizure Protection
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Status Epilepticus
Status Epilepticus
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Anti-epileptic Drugs
Anti-epileptic Drugs
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Prognosis for Seizure Patients
Prognosis for Seizure Patients
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Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)
Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)
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Seizure
Seizure
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Causes of Seizures
Causes of Seizures
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Epilepsy prevalence in Canada
Epilepsy prevalence in Canada
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Unprovoked Seizures
Unprovoked Seizures
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Provoked Seizures
Provoked Seizures
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Absence Seizures
Absence Seizures
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Atonic Seizures
Atonic Seizures
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Myoclonic Seizures
Myoclonic Seizures
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Tonic-Clonic Seizures
Tonic-Clonic Seizures
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Tonic Phase
Tonic Phase
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Clonic Phase
Clonic Phase
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EEG
EEG
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Study Notes
Seizures
- Seizures are abnormal, uncontrolled electrical discharges from a group of neurons in the cerebral cortex.
- This leads to abrupt and temporary alterations in cerebral activity.
- Seizures are a symptom of underlying central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction.
- Severity and presentation vary depending on the site of the discharge in the brain.
Theories on Causes of Seizures
- Neuron membrane alterations
- Imbalances in ion distribution
- Decreased activity of inhibitory neurons
- Structural changes
- Neurotransmitter imbalances
Seizures in Canada
- Approximately 1 in 100 Canadians have epilepsy.
- First seizures typically occur before age 20.
- Seizures after age 20 are often due to structural changes, trauma, tumors, or stroke.
Broad Categories of Seizures
- Unprovoked seizures: Cause unknown, often associated with epilepsy
- Provoked seizures: Secondary to an underlying cause such as infections (e.g., HIV, bacterial meningitis, and others), head injury, etc.
Focal vs. Generalized Seizures
- Focal seizures involve one hemisphere of the brain. They can be further categorized by whether or not consciousness is impaired during the seizure.
- Focal seizures without impairment of consciousness: May be localized or widespread within the hemisphere. Characterized by no loss of consciousness or responsiveness and can have motor, sensory, or autonomic symptoms. The initial part of the seizure can be recognized as an aura.
- Focal seizures with impairment of consciousness: Begin in one hemisphere and rapidly spread to the other, often originating in the temporal lobe. May cause loss of consciousness and awareness as well as hallucinations and illusions. These seizures may also present automatisms (e.g., repetitive movements or behaviors) and confusion, which can last after the seizure has ended (post-ictal state).
- Generalized seizures involve both hemispheres of the brain at onset. These seizures are typically accompanied by unconsciousness and symmetrical motor activity on both sides of the body. There are six broad categories of generalized seizures.
Types of Generalized Seizures
- Absence seizures: Characterized by disturbances in consciousness, but no convulsions. Typically occur only in children. Manifestations include blank stares, being motionless and unresponsive, and often brief loss of contact with the environment.
- Atonic seizures: Characterized by a sudden loss of muscle tone. Manifestations may include jaw slackening, drooping limbs, and falling to the ground.
- Myoclonic seizures: Characterized by brief, involuntary muscle contractions. The contractions can be bilateral or confined to the face, trunk, or extremities. The seizures are often triggered by cerebral stimuli.
- Tonic-clonic seizures: Characterized by a tonic phase (muscle contraction and extension of extremities) followed by a clonic phase (rhythmic bilateral contraction and relaxation of extremities). Unconsciousness often occurs during the tonic phase and continues until the post-ictal phase. They are typically major motor seizures and may have a vague warning sign (focal seizure) beforehand.
Diagnostic Tests for Seizures
- Neurological exam
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Lab tests
Treatment for Seizures
- Protect from injury during a seizure.
- Reduce seizure activity through pharmacological means.
- Medications vary depending of the type of seizure
- Surgery may be an option if medications are not effective.
- Neurostimulators are also used in some cases.
Complication: Status Epilepticus
- Prolonged seizure activity, lasting 30 minutes or more.
- Can lead to respiratory failure and death if not treated immediately through airway maintenance and medications.
- Identification of the underlying cause (e.g., tumors) is essential for appropriate treatment.
- It is a medical emergency.
Prognosis for Seizures
- With medication treatment:
- Seizures may be eliminated in about one-third of individuals.
- Seizure frequency may reduce in a significant portion.
- About sixty percent of patients who remain seizure-free can discontinue antiepileptic medication.
- Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a rare but significant complication with an unknown cause.
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Description
This quiz explores the nature of seizures, their causes, and their prevalence in Canada. Delve into the differences between provoked and unprovoked seizures, and gain insights into the various factors affecting neuronal activity. Perfect for those studying neurology or related fields.
