Epilepsy

Question 1

What is epilepsy?

Answer 1

A common neurological condition with a tendency to have recurrent seizures

Question 2

What is a seizure caused by?

Answer 2

A sudden burst of excess electrical activity in the brain, causing a temporary disruption in the normal message pathway between brain cells

Question 3

What can trigger a seizure?

Answer 3

• stress
• anxiety
• lack of sleep
• missing a dose of anti-epileptic drugs
• excessive alcohol and drugs

Question 4

Name the 2 types of seizures

Answer 4

Partial and generalised

Question 5

What are the 2 types of partial seizures?

Answer 5

Simple partial and complex partial

Question 6

Names 3 types of generalised seizures

Answer 6

Absence
Myoclonic
Tonic
Tonic clonic
Atonic

Question 7

Explain some preconceptual advice women should consider

Answer 7

1. Folic acid prior to conception
2. A/N screening
3. Vitamin K at birth
4. Have epilepsy review
5. Encourage breastfeeding

Question 8

What are 3 complications with epilepsy?

Answer 8

1. Status epilepticus
2. Trauma
3. Sudden unexpected death

Question 9

What is sudden epilepticus?

Answer 9

A seizure that lasts longer than 30 minutes - can be fatal

Question 10

What trauma can occur during a seizure?

Answer 10

During convulsion:

• head trauma
• hot water burns
• falls
• tongue biting